FCT teachers begin indefinite strike Monday over unmet demands

Public primary and secondary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will begin an indefinite strike on Monday, following a directive by the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.

The directive was issued in a communiqué after an emergency meeting held in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Friday, and was signed by Abdullahi Shafa, the state chairman the state secretary, Margaret Jethro; and the state publicity secretary, Ibukun Adekeye.

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The union asked teachers to withdraw their services and await further instructions, while advising parents to keep their children at home until further notice. It said the strike would continue until its demands are met.

The action follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, on March 11, as well as an additional 28-day grace period granted to the authorities, both of which elapsed without a response.

The union acknowledged the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the payment of nine months’ salary arrears to primary school teachers but said other issues remain unresolved.

It cited the non-release of a report by a ministerial committee set up on July 7, 2025, to harmonise outstanding entitlements and propose measures to address recurring disputes.

The committee submitted its report in August 2025, but it has not been made public.

According to the union, the delay in implementing the committee’s recommendations prompted the ultimatum and the subsequent strike action.

The union also called for the release and implementation of the report, a review of the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission, and the removal of the “vacancies” requirement for the promotion of classroom teachers.

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It said there had been no response from the authorities following the expiration of the ultimatum and the grace period.

“With effect from Monday, all public primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT shall proceed on an indefinite strike until our demands are met,” the union said.