From Premium Times Nigeria · Agency Report · · 2m
Wike’s no-work, no-pay directive unconstitutional
Nigeria’s FCT minister faces legal challenge over no-work, no-pay strike policy.
In brief
Nigeria’s FCT minister faces legal challenge over no-work, no-pay strike policy. Nigeria Labour Congress and Nigeria Union of Teachers declare FCT minister Wike’s no-work, no-pay directive unconstitutional and unenforceable during teacher strikes. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Wike’s no-work, no-pay directive
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed area council chairpersons to enforce no-work, no-pay policy against striking workers.
NLC and NUT reject directive
Nigeria Labour Congress FCT Council and Nigeria Union of Teachers FCT Wing dismissed Wike’s threat as unconstitutional, illegal, provocative and unenforceable.
Strike context
The NLC declared an indefinite strike on 7 October over unresolved issues between FCT Administration and NUT.
Wike’s legal stance
Wike stated strike action remains legitimate under Nigerian law and international labour standards.
NLC legal argument
NLC chairman Knabayi Adalo cited Section 40 of 1999 Constitution, Trade Unions Act, and ILO Conventions 87, 98 and 151 as legal basis for strike.
NLC demands
NLC demands immediate removal of vacancy clause, 2025 promotion exercise, and full reinstatement of demoted directors.
NUT response
NUT secretary Margaret Jethro urged teachers not to resume duties out of fear of salary stoppage.
NLC on attendance registers
NLC instructed workers to refuse signing attendance registers during strikes as they have no legal value.
NLC on union betrayal
NLC accused Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools of betraying teachers by withdrawing from strike.
Wike’s strike justification
Wike emphasized strike action is a legitimate tool recognized under Nigerian law and international labour standards.
NLC on salary withholding
NLC argued salaries cannot be lawfully withheld during legitimate strikes triggered by employer breaches.
NLC on vacancy clause
NLC cited FCT Administration’s violation of teachers’ rights through vacancy clause on promotions.
NLC on demotion issue
NLC highlighted demotion of directors who are legitimate beneficiaries of Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers Act 2022.
NLC on court rulings
NLC referenced previous judgments by National Industrial Court of Nigeria supporting workers’ salary entitlements.
NLC on union action
NLC warned principals who forced teachers to sign attendance registers would be held personally responsible.
The bottom line
Nigeria Labour Congress and Nigeria Union of Teachers declare FCT minister Wike’s no-work, no-pay directive unconstitutional and unenforceable during teacher strikes.
