The FCT Minister has warned workers participating in the ongoing strike of possible salary consequences as disagreements over teachers’ promotions and other education-sector issues continue.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has threatened to enforce a no-work, no-pay policy against workers participating in the ongoing industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT chapter.
Wike reportedly issued the warning on Friday, October 9, 2026, during a meeting with the chairmen of the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory, directing them to ensure compliance with the policy.
The minister maintained that workers who fail to perform their official duties during the strike could face salary consequences, insisting that the FCT Administration had taken steps to address the issues raised by organised labour.
He also described the industrial action as politically motivated, arguing that the administration had addressed, or was addressing, the concerns presented by the unions.
The strike, which commenced on Wednesday, October 7, followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued by the NLC over unresolved disputes involving teachers and education officials in the FCT.
The union’s grievances include the use of a vacancy requirement as a condition for teachers’ promotion, the conduct of the 2025 promotion examination for eligible teachers who could not participate, and the redeployment or demotion of certain directors within the FCT education system.
The NLC has also raised concerns about the dissolution of management teams in key FCT education agencies, including the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and the Secondary Education Board.
The union insists that the strike is necessary to compel the FCT Administration to resolve the outstanding issues affecting teachers’ career progression and the management of the education sector.
However, Wike has maintained that the administration is addressing the concerns and has questioned the justification for continuing the industrial action.
The dispute has also revealed differences among labour organisations in the FCT.
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), FCT chapter, has rejected the NLC’s strike directive, instructing its members to report to work and continue their normal duties.
The development has created uncertainty over the level of participation in the industrial action across public schools and other affected institutions in the territory.
The ongoing disagreement between the FCT Administration and organised labour has raised concerns among parents, teachers and residents over possible disruptions to academic activities in public schools.
While the administration insists on compliance with its directives, the NLC continues to press for the resolution of its demands.
The situation remains a significant labour dispute in the Federal Capital Territory, with its eventual outcome likely to affect teachers, education officials and the wider public education system.
