By Felicia Udeji
Teachers in public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have declared an indefinite strike, shutting down schools until their demands are met.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Chapter announced the decision after the six Area Council chairmen failed to pay minimum wage arrears and address other obligations.
Comrade Abdullahi Shafa, FCT Chairman of the NUT, revealed that despite FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s intervention, which covered 40% of the 25 months Minimum Wage Arrears, the Council Chairmen neglected to respond to the 14-day ultimatum or address industrial issues.
Outstanding Demands:
– Payment of Remaining 60% of 25 Months Minimum Wage Arrears
– Implementation and Payment of 25% and 35% Salary Increase
– Implementation and Payment of 40% Peculiar Allowance
– Payment of N35,000 Wage Award
– Correct and Continuous Implementation of Template on Outstanding Entitlements
The strike, commencing September 18, 2024, affects all public primary schools in FCT. The NUT urged teachers to remain calm and disregard counter directives except as directed by the Union.
This isn’t the first strike over unpaid wages; in January 2024, the NUT directed primary school teachers to begin an indefinite strike due to similar issues . FCT Minister Nyesom Wike blamed the area council chairmen for the ongoing strike, stating they haven’t fulfilled their responsibilities.