Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), insisted that the issues brought up by organised labour had already been agreed upon and were being addressed, characterising the industrial action announced by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as politically motivated. The minister further asserted that the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have distanced themselves from the strike.
Wike insisted that the government had no unresolved problems with the local councils, but he issued a warning that workers who take part in the strike action would be subject to the “no work, no pay” policy.
“You are free to reveal yourself if you so want. However, if you are not a member of the union, please excuse yourself and do not take part,” the minister stated.
He further stated that the administration will put the no-work, no-pay policy into effect, claiming that the government had responded to labor’s demands.
They cannot claim to the public that the concerns we have voiced have not been addressed, and we have no problems with them at all. He declared, “We implement everything we have.”
The minister questioned the strike’s motivation, arguing that the administration was unable to comprehend why workers would take industrial action in spite of what he described as attempts to address their complaints.
Wike further claimed that the chairman of the FCT NLC was working toward a political agenda associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The claim extends the conflict beyond the immediate demands for labour.
On Wednesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council launched an indefinite strike, ordering employees in the public and commercial sectors to close government offices, schools, hospitals, and other facilities throughout the region.
The statement was made following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum given to the FCT Administration (FCTA) about outstanding matters pertaining to teacher promotions.
The labour council charged that the FCTA had not sufficiently responded to its demands, especially the proposal to do away with the need for open posts prior to teacher promotions.