NUT FCT Calls Off Nine-month Strike

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT wing has called off the ongoing strike  by primary school teachers in the FCT over the non-payment of its nine months  arrears and  the new minimum wage salary.

The calling off of the strike was contained in a communique issued at the end of an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting of NUT FCT Wing in Abuja on July 4.

The communique was signed by the State Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, Secretary Mrs Margaret Jethro and Publicity Secretary Ibukun Adekeye.

It said the emergency session resolved to call off the strike after it deliberated on the offer by the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who though conceded that the payment of teachers salary was the responsibility of the Area Councils, however, offered the release of the Area Councils’ six months 10 per cent FCT accrued Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) amounting to N16 billion to augment  the payment of the New Minimum Wage for June and 60 per cent of its nine months arrears.

It also announced the constitution of a special committee to, within two weeks, harmonise all the outstanding arrears detailing the sourcing of funds for the permanent settlement of all the backlog.

The communique stated that:  “Having deliberated exhaustively on the aforementioned offers, including the positive disposition of the Honourable Minister for the taking over the payment of the Primary School Teachers emoluments by the FCTA, the SWEC-In-Session resolved to suspend the Strike action on the release of the N16 billion and its payment to the Teachers accounts.”

“Consequent upon the implementation of the New Minimum Wage and payment of five months Arrears into the Teachers accounts today, 8th July 2025; the SWEC, hereby suspends the ongoing Strike action and appeals to all Primary School Teachers in FCT to, with effect from Wednesday, 9th July 2025 return to the classrooms and continue with their legitimate duties while the Union intensifies more efforts to ensure the settlement of the remaining entitlements.

“The SWEC in Session wishes to use this medium to appreciate all members especially the Primary School Teachers for their unwavering support solidarity, cooperation and prayers while the strike lasted.”

“ Our special thanks go to the FCT Royal fathers, Civil Society Organizations, and other well meaning individuals who, in one way or the other intervened and stood by us during the strike.”