The Nigeria Labour Congress has frowned at the federal government’s ‘no work, no pay’ policy, and highlighted that the union’s position remains ‘no pay, no work’.

NLC president Joe Ajaero disclosed the group’s position on Wednesday, while addressing newsmen at the end of his visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia, in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South council area.

The federal government, in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by education minister Tunji Alausa, directed vice-chancellors of federal universities nationwide to strictly implement the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities currently on strike.

Mr Ajaero said it was “illogical for the government to expect productivity from workers who have not been paid their entitlements”, describing the policy as “unjust and insensitive”.

According to him, since 2009, many agreements reached between the government and unions remain unfulfilled, resulting in strikes and other forms of industrial action across sectors.

“The cause is non-payment, and the consequence is no work,” he said.

Mr Ajaero, therefore, advised the federal government to address the root problem, “instead of punishing affected workers”.

He announced that all the unions in the education sector would meet on Monday to consider a collective response to the government’s neglect of the sector. 

He contended that no nation develops without strengthening education, warning that continuous neglect was destroying Nigeria’s human capital base.

He said that threats of withholding salaries were discouraging teachers and lecturers, leading many to migrate abroad due to poor welfare and unfavourable working conditions. 

He said that fixing the education sector would automatically strengthen the nation’s economy and promote social stability across all levels.

(NAN)