The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration over the prolonged strike of primary school teachers over unpaid salaries.
The strike by primary school teachers in the FCT entered its 86th day, crippling academic activities in over 400 public primary schools across the six area councils.
The prolonged industrial action, which began on March 24, 2025, stems from the area council chairmen’s failure to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage and clear outstanding salary arrears, despite a binding agreement.
In a letter signed by the NLC FCT Chairman, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, and dated June 11, 2025, the union threatened mass mobilisation and picketing of the FCT Administration office if the teachers demand is not met by Thursday, June 19.
The letter condemned the persistent refusal of the FCT Administration to grant audience to the labour union and described the government’s inaction as “irresponsible and provocative.”
“The NLC FCT Council has written several letters, seeking an audience with you, but none have been honoured,” the statement read.
“Your refusal to act on our position letter and demands served on April 24, and again on May 16, 2025, is noted with displeasure. You are hereby duly notified that failure to act within seven days will result in picketing of the FCTA offices on June 19, 2025.”
The strike action was triggered by the failure of all six area councils to honour the agreement signed on December 11, 2024.
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The agreement was brokered by the FCT Administration and endorsed by key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the NLC.
Key provisions of the agreement, included the commencement of the ₦70,000 minimum wage from January 2025, phased payment of at least five months’ arrears, and allocation of 50 percent of internally generated revenue from area councils to finance the payments.
A tripartite implementation committee chaired by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud was also set up.
However, no component of the agreement has been implemented as of mid-June.
During a live media chat on June 12, 2025, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike acknowledged the dire situation and hinted at a possible intervention.
He disclosed that the FCT Administration might bypass the defaulting area council chairmen to pay the teachers directly.
“The committee has made their recommendation and, as of June 2, the permanent secretary of treasury is working on how much is required,” Wike said.
“It’s unfortunate. We are not owing; the area councils are.”
Despite the minister’s comments, there is no official confirmation yet on whether discussions have been held with the leadership of the NUT in the FCT to chart a way forward.
Attempts by our correspondent to reach the NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Shafas, were unsuccessful as calls, messages, and WhatsApp inquiries went unanswered.
