Teachers in government-owned schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have embarked on an indefinite strike, protesting the non-payment of 60% of arrears owed by the Area Councils.
The strike follows a 14-day ultimatum issued by the FCT Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to the six area councils in the region. The union had previously gone on strike in January 2024, after suspending a similar action in November 2023. Their demands include the implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance and payment of 25 months’ minimum wage arrears, among other dues.
After the January strike, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike intervened, leading to an agreement in which the FCT Administration would cover 40% of the minimum wage arrears, leaving the remaining 60% to be paid by the Area Councils. Despite this, the Area Councils have failed to meet their financial obligations, prompting the NUT to resume the strike, effective 18 September 2024.
Abdullahi Shafa, the state chairman of the FCT-NUT Wing, stated that the strike decision was reached due to the council chairmen’s continued failure to pay the remaining arrears. The union is also demanding salary increases and full payment of the 40% peculiar allowances still owed.
“The State Wing Executive Council extensively deliberated on the issues affecting teachers and resolved to resume the strike due to the non-response of the council chairmen to our demands,” Shafa said.
The union’s demands include:
– Payment of the remaining 60% of the 25 months’ minimum wage arrears.
– Implementation and payment of arrears for the 25% and 35% salary increases.
– Payment of the 40% Peculiar Allowance.
– Settlement of arrears for the N35,000 Wage Award, and continuous implementation of the 2022 agreement on teachers’ outstanding entitlements.
The strike will continue until all demands are met. Parents have been advised to keep their children at home, as schools will remain closed indefinitely.
“We urge all teachers to stay calm and disregard any counter directives, except those from the Union,” said Margaret Jethro, State Secretary of the FCT NUT Wing.
Students arriving at schools on Wednesday were sent home as teachers enforced the strike. Attempts to reach key officials, including Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, and council chairmen from the Abuja Municipal and Bwari Area Councils, were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
