FCT Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Welfare Issues

FCT teachers directed to begin indefinite strike over welfare concerns
Union cites government silence despite ultimatum and extended grace period
Parents advised to keep children at home during strike period

The Nigeria Union of Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Abuja to begin an indefinite strike from Monday over unresolved welfare issues.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the directive was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council held in Gwagwalada over the weekend. The union also advised parents to keep their children and wards at home until further notice, citing concerns over safety and disruption to academic activities.

The communiqué was jointly signed by State Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa; State Secretary, Margaret Jethro; and State Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye. The leadership directed full compliance among teachers and urged members to withdraw their services until all demands are met.

According to the union, the strike followed the expiration of a seven day ultimatum issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on March 11, which lapsed on March 29 without a meaningful response. The council noted that although the minister had earlier intervened in the dispute, leading to the suspension of a 14 week strike on July 9, 2025, several issues remain unresolved.

“The Minister constituted a committee on July 7, 2025 with a mandate to, within two weeks, harmonise all outstanding entitlements of primary school teachers.

“The committee was also directed to make appropriate recommendations that would lead to a permanent solution to the frequent industrial disputes involving FCT Primary School Teachers.

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

While acknowledging the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and payment of nine months arrears, the union said delays in addressing outstanding entitlements remain a major concern. It also demanded the removal of the vacancies condition for promotions and called for a review of the 2024 promotion exercise.

“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 communiqué stated.