Teachers in government-run schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have initiated an indefinite strike over the non-payment of 60% of outstanding arrears owed by the Area Councils. This move comes after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum given by the FCT Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to the six area councils.
The union had previously staged an indefinite strike on January 15, 2024, following the suspension of a similar action in November 2023. That strike aimed to demand the payment of 25 months’ minimum wage arrears, implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance, and the settlement of other unpaid entitlements.
During the earlier strike, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, announced on January 30 that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had intervened. The FCT Administration agreed to cover 40% of the 25 months’ arrears, leaving the remaining 60% to be settled by the area councils.
However, on September 18, 2024, the FCT-NUT Wing instructed primary school teachers across the FCT to resume their suspended strike after the area councils failed to meet their obligation of paying the remaining 60% of the arrears.
Abdullahi Shafa, the state chairman of the NUT, emphasized that the teachers’ decision to resume the strike was prompted by the continued non-payment. He added that the union is also pushing for salary increases and the settlement of 40% peculiar allowances that remain unpaid by the councils.
