The indefinite strike by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has entered its 86th day, with public education in over 400 schools across the six Area Councils still at a standstill.
The strike, which resumed on March 24, 2025, was triggered by the failure of Area Council chairmen to implement the N70,000 minimum wage agreement and settle outstanding allowances, despite a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 11, 2024.
In response to the prolonged inaction, the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration in a letter dated June 12, 2025, and signed by NLC Chairperson Stephen Knabayi. The union warned of mass mobilisation and picketing of FCT offices on June 19 if their demands remain unmet.
The MoU, brokered by the FCT Administration and signed by key unions including the NUT, NULGE, and NLC, outlined:
- Immediate implementation of the new wage from January 2025
- Gradual settlement of five months’ arrears
- Use of 50% of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) deducted at source to fund the payments
- Formation of an implementation committee chaired by Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud
However, nearly six months later, none of the terms have been honoured by the Area Councils, despite multiple closed-door meetings and interventions.
NLC Issues Ultimatum as FCT Teachers’ Strike Enters Day 86 Amid Unfulfilled Wage Agreement
In a media chat on June 12, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed frustration, stating that while the FCT Administration was not responsible for the debt, the government may intervene directly.
“We are not owing; the Area Councils are owing. The Permanent Secretary, Treasury, has been directed to assess the payment breakdown,” Wike said.
Meanwhile, there has been no confirmation that the leadership of the teachers’ union has been formally invited to discuss the next steps. Repeated attempts by journalists to contact FCT-NUT Chairman Abdullahi Shafas were unsuccessful.
Reacting to the development, Isaac David, spokesperson of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation, backed the minister’s intervention:
“If the chairmen cannot do it, then let the minister do it,” he said.
The NLC’s ultimatum follows its State Executive Council meeting on May 29, where it condemned the administration’s silence on letters sent on April 24 and May 16, demanding urgent action to resolve the crisis affecting teachers, Area Council workers, and health professionals in the FCT.
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