In a decisive move to end the recurring disruptions in the public primary education sector, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has directed the strict implementation of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against striking teachers across the territory’s area councils, declaring emphatically that ‘enough is enough.’
The declaration comes amid a prolonged industrial action embarked upon by public primary school teachers under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The union had down tools across the six Area Councils—Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abuja Municipal—over unresolved labor issues, primarily concerning the implementation of salary increases, outstanding allowances, and arrears.
Addressing the pressing matter during an official briefing, Minister Wike expressed deep frustration over the recurring strike actions that have effectively shut down public primary school classrooms and paralyzed foundational learning for thousands of young pupils in the nation’s capital. While acknowledging that labor unions have the right to demand fair compensation, the Minister maintained that such actions must not come at the expense of innocent children whose academic future is repeatedly jeopardized.
‘We cannot allow a situation where children are perpetually kept away from classrooms while salaries continue to be paid as if work is ongoing,’ the Minister stated. He underscored that the administration had previously intervened in various council-level funding bottlenecks and demonstrated goodwill in addressing the grievances raised by the teachers. However, he lamented that despite multiple dialogues and interventions, strikes remain a recurring tool of disruption.
Wike noted that primary education falls largely under the operational purview of the Area Council administrations, but the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has consistently stepped in to mediate, release support funds, and ensure stability. With the latest round of walkouts continuing to stall learning, the Minister insisted that accountability must be enforced across board, directing relevant secretariats and accounting departments to apply the statutory labor laws governing pay during strike actions.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion across the territory. For months, parents and guardians within the FCT have voiced growing distress over the frequent shutdowns of public schools, warning that prolonged closures widen the gap between public school students and their peers in private institutions. Many residents have welcomed a firm approach to resolving the impasse permanently, while also urging the government and council chairmen to honor long-standing agreements to ensure a sustainable resolution.
Under the new directive, payroll administrators and supervisory officers within the FCT Education Secretariat have been tasked with monitoring school attendance and enforcing compliance registers. Personnel who fail to report to their duty posts are set to forfeit their remuneration for the duration of their absence.
As the administration stands firm on its position, Minister Wike reiterated a call to the leadership of the NUT to rethink their strategy, return to the negotiation table, and prioritize the welfare of the pupils. He emphasized that building a modern, competitive Federal Capital Territory requires a disciplined, dependable educational foundation that cannot be held hostage by perpetual industrial unrest.