RismadarVoice Reporters
October 9, 2026
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned that the administration may enforce a no-work, no-pay policy against workers participating in the ongoing industrial action by the FCT chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
Wike issued the warning on Friday following a meeting with the chairmen of the six area councils in Abuja, directing them to communicate the administration’s position to teachers and other affected workers.
The minister maintained that workers who stayed away from their duties because of the strike could face salary deductions in accordance with the government’s proposed enforcement of the policy.
He said the area council chairmen had been instructed to inform teachers that participation in the industrial action could attract the no-work, no-pay measure.
Wike questioned the justification for the strike, insisting that the FCT Administration had either resolved the issues raised by the unions or commenced implementing previously reached agreements.
According to him, the administration has continued to address outstanding matters affecting primary education and the Local Education Authorities.
He argued that the industrial action was unnecessary because the government had demonstrated its willingness to implement agreements reached with the affected workers.
The minister further claimed that secondary school teachers and some other categories of workers had distanced themselves from the strike because their concerns were receiving attention.
Wike also accused the FCT labour leadership of introducing political considerations into the dispute.
He alleged that the FCT NLC chairperson had previously contested an area council election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), questioning whether the union’s leadership was acting independently of political interests.
The minister maintained that individuals involved in partisan politics should avoid allowing such affiliations to influence their responsibilities as labour leaders.
His allegations of political motivation remain claims by the FCT Administration and do not, by themselves, establish the intentions of the unions.
The industrial action followed a directive by the FCT chapter of the NLC calling on workers within the administration and affected private-sector organisations to withdraw their services over unresolved labour disagreements.
The dispute involves demands raised by the NUT concerning administrative decisions and career progression within the FCT education system.
Among the issues reportedly under contention are the redeployment of directors in agencies under the FCT Education Secretariat, the rescheduling of the 2025 promotion examination and the removal of vacancy requirements affecting staff promotions.
The unions have maintained that outstanding matters require attention, while the FCT Administration insists that agreements are being implemented.
The disagreement has disrupted activities in affected institutions and intensified tensions between organised labour and the administration.
Wike’s warning introduces the possibility of salary deductions for participating workers, although the legality and application of any such measure would depend on the relevant labour laws and circumstances of the industrial action.
The dispute remains unresolved, with the unions and the FCT Administration maintaining differing positions on the justification for the strike and the implementation of outstanding agreements.
