Following the recent industrial action undertaken by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, management of the University of Abuja has threatened to enforce the ‘no work no pay’ directive by the Federal Government on any staff who joins in the strike. A statement released over the weekend from the office of the vice chancellor, Professor Michael Adikwu, called on staff of the institution, especially members of the local branch of Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, ASUU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU and Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, NASU, who opted to join the Ayuba Wabba-led faction of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, to resume duties.

The statement further urged the striking workers to take into cognisance the wider support the Federal Government is enjoying on the deregulation policy from majority of Nigerians who are not in support of the ongoing strike and return to work. The statement reads: “While we appreciate the reasons adduced by a faction of labour for going into the strike and considering the fact that concerted efforts are being made by government and all concerned to address the issues, we call on our staff on sympathy strike to resume work immediately in order to sustain the tremendous progress we have jointly made so far in stabilising the institution. “We may be forced to comply with government directive on the strike if they fail to heed this appeal.’’