The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the six Area Council chairmen to enforce the no work, no pay policy against teachers who refuse to return to the classroom. This move comes as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, has declared an indefinite strike, shutting down public schools across the nation’s capital. Wike described the ongoing strike by FCT teachers as politically motivated and unnecessary.
The strike, which began on October 7, was called by the NLC after a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on September 8, 2026, over unresolved welfare issues affecting teachers, expired. The NLC, in a statement signed by its chairman, Knabayi Adalo, said the union rejected the FCTA’s official response to its demands, describing it as unacceptable. The FCTA, however, claims that the issues raised by the union have either been resolved or are being addressed.
Wike, briefing journalists after a meeting with the six Area Council chairmen in Abuja, said the administration would not accept the strike. He accused the NLC chairman of instigating the strike for political reasons, alleging that Adalo contested the last Area Council election for the chairmanship of Kuje Area Council on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Wike emphasized that the FCT Administration had no unresolved issues with the teachers to justify the industrial action.
According to Wike, the promotion exercise for teachers is ongoing, while the matter concerning directors is an establishment issue that cannot be altered by the union. He stated that the body of senior primary school teachers has expressed opposition to the strike, saying it is uncalled for. Wike added that all the issues raised by the union are being addressed, and therefore, there is no basis for the strike.
The FCT Minister directed the Area Council chairmen to call back their teachers and civil servants, warning that anyone who continues to stay away from work will be subject to the no work, no pay policy. Wike stressed that enough is enough and that the strike cannot continue. He also revealed that the NLC chairman, Adalo, was a former Area Council candidate of the ADC in the last Area Council election.
The strike has resulted in the shutdown of public schools across the nation’s capital, affecting thousands of students. The NLC had expressed concerns over welfare issues affecting teachers, including promotion and other benefits. However, the FCT Administration maintains that these issues are being addressed. The no work, no pay policy is expected to take effect immediately, with the Area Council chairmen tasked with enforcing it.
The development has raised concerns among stakeholders, including parents and students, who are worried about the impact of the strike on the education sector. The FCT Administration has urged teachers to return to work, emphasizing that the strike is unnecessary and politically motivated. The situation remains tense, with the NLC yet to respond to Wike’s directive.
Key points
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directs Area Council chairmen to enforce no work, no pay policy against striking teachers
- The strike, called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, is over unresolved welfare issues affecting teachers
- Wike accuses NLC chairman Knabayi Adalo of instigating the strike for political reasons
