The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed area council chairmen to enforce a “no work, no pay” policy against workers participating in the ongoing strike by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
Wike gave the directive after meeting with chairmen of the six area councils in Abuja on Friday, describing the industrial action as politically motivated and unjustified.
He maintained that the issues raised by the teachers’ union had either been resolved or were being addressed by the relevant authorities.
The minister said the FCT Administration was implementing previous agreements and questioned the need for an indefinite strike.
Wike also alleged that the local NLC leadership had political interests behind the industrial action, claiming that the union’s chairperson had previously contested an area council election under the African Democratic Congress.
He urged individuals interested in partisan politics to separate such activities from union leadership.
The NLC had earlier directed FCT Administration workers and those in the private sector to begin an indefinite strike over unresolved disputes involving the FCTA and NUT.
The disputes include the redeployment of directors in agencies under the FCT Education Secretariat, the rescheduling of the 2025 promotion examination and the removal of vacancy requirements for promotions.
The strike has raised concerns about disruptions to public services, particularly primary education, as both parties remain at odds over the demands.
