FCT Teachers Resume Strike Over Unresolved Welfare Issues

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has resumed its industrial action on Wednesday, citing unresolved welfare issues with the six area councils of the territory. The strike follows previous suspensions of similar actions in October 2023 and January 2024.

In a communiqué signed by NUT Chairman Mr. Abdullahi Shaf, State Secretary Mrs. Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary Mr. Ibukun Adekeye, the union confirmed that the decision came after deliberations during the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting assessed the 14-day ultimatum given to the area councils’ chairmen to settle the teachers’ entitlements, which expired on September 17.

The union has directed that all public primary schools in the FCT remain closed until their demands are met. Key issues include the non-payment of 60% of 25-month-old minimum wage arrears, the non-implementation of salary increases of 25% and 35%, and the payment of 40% peculiar allowance.

Other demands include the payment of N35,000 wage award arrears and the implementation of the 2022 agreement on teachers’ outstanding entitlements. While the FCT Minister had intervened, fulfilling a pledge to pay 40% of the minimum wage arrears, the area councils have yet to honor their part of the agreement, leading to the strike’s continuation.

FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) acting Chairman Dr. Hassan Sule has appealed to the union to suspend the strike, stating that discussions with the area council chairmen are ongoing.