The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s recent directive mandating the enforcement of the “no work, no pay” rule against university lecturers currently on strike. The union reaffirmed its stance as “no pay, no work.”
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after meeting with Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State, NLC President Joe Ajaero reiterated the union’s position.
Ajaero argued that expecting output from employees who have not received their rightful earnings defies logic. He described the government’s approach as both unfair and lacking empathy.
He pointed to the persistent industrial actions in the education sector as a direct result of the government’s repeated failure to uphold agreements made with academic unions since 2009.
“The cause is non-payment, and the consequence is no work,” he stated, urging authorities to tackle the underlying issues fueling labour disputes rather than penalizing those affected.
Ajaero revealed that all unions within the education sector are scheduled to convene on Monday to discuss a unified response to what he termed the government’s ongoing disregard for education.
He cautioned that the continued neglect of the sector is undermining Nigeria’s investment in human capital. He further noted that threats to withhold salaries are demotivating educators and driving many to seek better prospects abroad.
He emphasized that restoring the education system is essential not only for economic growth but also for maintaining societal cohesion.
