FCT Teachers Launch Indefinite Strike Monday Over Unresolved Demands
Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), operating under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), have been instructed to commence an indefinite strike starting Monday, sparking significant concerns about disruptions to public primary and secondary education across Abuja. This industrial action threatens to halt academic activities and leave thousands of students without classroom instruction until further notice.
Union Directive and Emergency Meeting
The strike directive was formally issued by the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the NUT following an emergency meeting held in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Friday. In a communiqué jointly signed by State Chairman Abdullahi Shafa, State Secretary Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary Ibukun Adekeye, the union mandated all teachers to fully comply with the strike and await additional instructions. Parents and guardians have been strongly advised to keep their children at home during this period to ensure their safety amid the ongoing labor dispute.
Background and Unmet Demands
According to the union, the strike will persist indefinitely until all outstanding demands are adequately addressed by the FCT Administration, which is led by Minister Nyesom Wike. This decision comes after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Minister on March 11, which lapsed on March 29, followed by an additional 28-day grace period granted to authorities. While the union acknowledged the Minister's efforts in implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage and settling nine months of salary arrears for primary school teachers, it highlighted several unresolved welfare issues that continue to plague educators.
The union pointed out that a committee established on July 7, 2025, to harmonize outstanding entitlements within two weeks has failed to deliver its report or produce tangible outcomes. Additionally, the NUT is demanding the removal of the "vacancies" condition tied to teacher promotions and a comprehensive review of the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission to ensure fair advancement for all eligible teachers.
Union Dissatisfaction and Official Statement
Members of SWEC expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they described as continued silence from authorities despite repeated engagements and deadlines. In the communiqué, they stated, "Following exhaustive deliberations and the lack of response to our legitimate demands, the Council has resolved that all public primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT shall proceed on an indefinite strike from Monday until all issues are addressed." This development is expected to have a profound impact on academic activities, potentially derailing educational progress for students across Abuja's public schools.
The strike underscores ongoing tensions between teachers and the FCT Administration, highlighting broader issues in Nigeria's education sector regarding teacher welfare, promotion fairness, and administrative responsiveness. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring for any negotiations or resolutions that might avert prolonged school closures.
