Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has moved to resolve the ongoing teachers’ strike in Abuja by ordering the direct payment of outstanding allowances and emoluments.
The directive followed a high-level meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, where the minister expressed concern over procedural lapses and the prolonged nature of the dispute.
Wike warned that continued industrial action could negatively impact schoolchildren, noting that key stakeholders, particularly area council chairmen, were initially excluded from critical discussions.
“It would not be proper to hold such a crucial meeting without those directly affected,” he said.
To break the impasse, the minister disclosed that he had intercepted internally generated revenue allocations meant for area councils and ordered that the funds be paid directly to teachers to settle outstanding obligations.
“I was surprised to learn that despite our agreement, there are plans to go on strike. Such action undermines ongoing efforts,” Wike added.
Although the responsibility for paying primary school teachers rests with area councils, the FCT Administration intervened to prevent further disruption to the education system.
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Chairman of the NUT FCT wing, Abdullahi Shafa, described the meeting as productive and acknowledged improvements in infrastructure and welfare initiatives.
However, he noted that key issues remain unresolved, including unpaid allowances, delayed promotions, and unfilled teaching vacancies, warning that career stagnation could affect productivity.
Shafa added that while the minister has assured the union of prompt action, the strike has not yet been suspended, as the union leadership will review the outcome before taking a final decision.
The union had earlier embarked on an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare concerns, including the non-implementation of 25 and 35 per cent salary increases, as well as the non-payment of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance.
Wike’s intervention offers a possible pathway to resolving the crisis, though its success will depend on the timely execution of the promised measures.
