FCT NUT calls off teachers’ strike

Primary and secondary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory have suspended their strike following fresh intervention by the FCT Administration aimed at resolving their demands.

The decision was announced on Sunday by the State Wing Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers after an emergency meeting in Gwagwalada.

The strike, which began on April 20, was called off after the union reviewed commitments made by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over unresolved welfare and salary-related issues affecting teachers.

According to the union, the suspension followed an agreement tied to a financial package meant to address outstanding entitlements and improve teachers’ welfare. The package includes a monthly commitment of N5 billion, made up of funds from the FCT internally generated revenue and allocations tied to the Area Councils.

The intervention is expected to support payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance being demanded by teachers and also clear pending obligations owed to primary school workers.

The union also said progress was made on promotion concerns after the minister reportedly moved to address conditions affecting career advancement for teachers, including issues linked to the 2024 promotion exercise.

Following the development, the union directed teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the FCT to return to classrooms on Monday, bringing the industrial action to an end for now.

The union said no teacher should face punishment or intimidation for taking part in the strike and warned that it could review its position if authorities fail to keep to the terms agreed.

The suspension is expected to bring relief to pupils, parents and schools affected by the shutdown, which disrupted learning across the territory.

Union leaders said the action was taken after considering the outcome of talks with stakeholders and the promises made to meet the teachers’ demands. They also praised members for standing together during the strike and said efforts to improve working conditions would continue.

The latest move ends days of uncertainty in the FCT education sector and shifts attention to implementation of the promises made by the administration. Many will now watch whether the commitments made during the talks are carried out as agreed.