Teachers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) commenced an indefinite strike action on Monday, as directed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The action, which began at schools like LEA Ijayapi Primary School and LEA Byazhin Primary School in Abuja Municipal Area Council, saw classrooms locked and premises deserted, highlighting the seriousness with which teachers are responding to their demands.
The strike follows a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, which expired on March 29th. The NUT’s decision was formalized in a communiqué released on Friday, jointly signed by the State Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa; the State Secretary, Margaret Jethro; and the State Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye. The communiqué detailed the union’s concerns regarding unresolved issues beyond the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the payment of nine months’ arrears owed to primary school teachers.
Background to the Industrial Action
The NUT’s action stems from a review of the ultimatum and a subsequent 28-day grace period granted to the Minister. Despite this extended timeframe, the union reports a lack of substantive response to their concerns regarding teacher welfare. In 2025, the Minister established a committee tasked with harmonizing outstanding entitlements and recommending solutions to persistent industrial disputes. This committee submitted its report in August 2025, but it remains unpublished and unacted upon, fueling the union’s frustration.
Key demands outlined in the communiqué include the immediate release and implementation of the committee’s report, the removal of the “vacancies” condition attached to teacher promotions, and a thorough review of the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission. These issues, coupled with the ongoing economic challenges, have prompted the union to escalate its action.
Union Statement and Parental Guidance
According to a statement released by the State Wing Executive Council of the NUT, “After exhaustive deliberations on the industrial issues and the silence on the legitimate demands of teachers’ welfare, the Council resolved that all public primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT shall, with effect from Monday, proceed on an indefinite strike until our demands are met.” This statement underscores the union’s determination to secure a resolution to the outstanding issues.
The NUT has also advised parents to keep their children and wards at home until further notice, as teachers will remain off duty. This measure is intended to ensure full compliance with the strike directive and to demonstrate the union’s commitment to achieving its objectives. The situation is evolving, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The impact of this strike on the education system within the FCT remains to be seen, but it represents a significant step in the ongoing effort to address teacher welfare concerns.
The strike is expected to continue until the FCT Minister addresses the union’s demands and provides a clear timeline for the implementation of the committee’s recommendations. The NUT has indicated its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, but insists that meaningful progress must be made to resolve the current impasse.
