The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, **Nyesom Wike**, announced on Friday that the strike declared by the FCT chapter of the [Nigeria Labour Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria_Labour_Congress) (NLC) and the [Nigeria Union of Teachers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria_Union_of_Teachers) (NUT) is purely political and lacks any legitimate basis, and he ordered a strict “no‑work, no‑pay” directive for any staff taking part.
**What did the minister say about the strike?**
Wike told the chairmen of Abuja’s six area councils that they must inform teachers that anyone joining the walkout will not receive salary. He warned, “Enough is enough; we cannot continue with this,” emphasizing that the government will not tolerate the disruption.
**Why does he consider the action political?**
The minister argued that all genuine demands from the teachers—such as promotion schedules, examination timetables, and the removal of vacancy pre‑conditions—have either been settled or are being implemented. He added that secondary school teachers and other union factions have already withdrawn support, indicating that the core grievances are being addressed.
**Who is alleged to be behind the politicisation?**
Wike singled out the local NLC leadership, claiming the union chairperson previously contested the February FCT area council elections under the banner of the [African Democratic Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Democratic_Congress). He accused the individual of using the strike as a political tool to create a crisis and manipulate voters, urging any politically‑inclined union leaders to resign from their positions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the NLC had instructed FCT civil servants and private‑sector workers to commence an indefinite strike over unresolved issues, including the withdrawal of redeployment orders for certain education directors, the postponement of the 2025 promotion examination, and the removal of vacancy pre‑conditions for promotion.
Wike concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to honour all agreements reached with the teachers and warned that any attempt to politicise the union will be met with firm administrative action.