Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has threatened to withhold the salaries of workers participating in the ongoing indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Wike directed chairmen of the six area councils in the FCT to enforce a strict “no-work, no-pay” policy against workers who join the industrial action.
The minister made the statement on Friday after meeting with the area council chairmen in Abuja, describing the strike as “political and baseless”.
His directive raises the stakes in the dispute between the authorities and organised labour, with teachers and other council workers potentially facing financial consequences for participating in the strike.
The NLC’s industrial action has disrupted normal activities in parts of the FCT as workers press their demands.
Wike’s position signals the administration’s determination to challenge the strike, although the implications for affected workers will depend on how the directive is implemented.
The dispute adds to tensions between the FCT authorities and organised labour over the ongoing industrial action.
