FCT Teachers begin indefinite strike Monday

The Nigeria Union of Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory has directed primary and secondary school teachers to embark on an indefinite strike starting Monday.

The directive was issued in a communiqué released after an emergency State Wing Executive Council meeting held in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Friday.

The communiqué, signed by State Chairman Mr Abdullahi Shafa, State Secretary Mrs Margaret Jethro, and Publicity Secretary Mr Ibukun Adekeye, instructed teachers to comply fully and await further directives.

The union also advised parents to keep their children and wards at home until further notice, stressing that teachers would remain on strike until all demands are met.

Unresolved issues

The union explained that the decision followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on 11 March, which lapsed on 19 March, alongside an additional 28-day grace period.

While acknowledging the minister’s implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and payment of nine months’ arrears to primary school teachers, the union said key issues remain unresolved.

It noted that a committee set up on 7 July 2025, to harmonise outstanding entitlements and recommend lasting solutions had submitted its report in August 2025, but it has yet to be made public.

“The committee concluded its assignment and submitted its report in August 2025, however, the report is yet to be made public,” the communiqué stated.

Key demands

The union said the ultimatum was issued due to delays in implementing the committee’s recommendations and the continued silence on teachers’ welfare concerns.

Among its demands are the release and implementation of the report on outstanding entitlements, removal of the “vacancies” condition for promotion, and a comprehensive review of the 2024 promotion exercise.

It stressed that these steps are necessary to ensure fair career progression and improved working conditions for teachers.

Union position

Expressing frustration over the lack of response, the union said the decision to strike became unavoidable.

“After exhaustive deliberations on the industrial issues and the silence on the legitimate demands of teachers’ welfare, the Council resolved that all public primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT shall, with effect from Monday, proceed on an indefinite strike until our demands are met,” the union said.