Wike labels Abuja NLC strike political, threatens no-work-no-pay

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has described the ongoing strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja as politically motivated, threatening to enforce the no-work-no-pay policy.

According to Peoples Gazette, Wike spoke on Friday after meeting with FCT area council chairmen, insisting that the administration had no unresolved dispute with teachers.

“This so-called strike declaration is political, and we will not accept it,” the minister stated. “There’s no basis for anybody to call for a strike. All the things they are talking about have been agreed and are being implemented.”

Wike said the Trade Union Congress and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools had rejected the strike.

He directed area councils to recall teachers and civil servants, warning that “no work, no pay” would be enforced.

The NLC had declared an indefinite strike on Wednesday following a seven-day ultimatum over unresolved labour grievances, including teachers’ promotion requirements and disputed redeployment and demotion letters.

The minister also accused the FCT NLC chairman of pursuing political interests.