# Wike’s no-work, no-pay directive unconstitutional

> Nigeria’s FCT minister faces legal challenge over no-work, no-pay strike policy.
- Title: Wike’s no-work, no-pay directive unconstitutional | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: nyesom wike, nigeria labour congress, nigeria union of teachers, fct, no-work no-pay, teacher strike, unconstitutional, unenforceable, news, politics, Wike, no-work
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/916370-wikes-no-work-no-pay-directive-unconstitutional-unenforceable-nlc-nut.html
- Author: Agency Report
- Published: 2026-10-12T11:58:33+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nyesom wike, nigeria labour congress, nigeria union of teachers, fct, no-work no-pay, teacher strike, unconstitutional, unenforceable, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Nigeria Labour Congress and Nigeria Union of Teachers declare FCT minister Wike’s no-work, no-pay directive unconstitutional and unenforceable during teacher strikes.