Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called off their strike action, which was organized by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
The strike had started on September 18, 2024, in response to the non-payment of 60 percent of 25 months’ worth of minimum wage arrears, and the failure to implement a 40 percent peculiar allowance, among other outstanding benefits.
Speaking at the end of an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held in Gwagwalada on Monday, NUT Chairman for the FCT, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafas, announced the decision to suspend the strike.
He said the move followed a renewed commitment from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to address the teachers’ concerns, including the payment of the outstanding 60 percent arrears.
During a meeting with the union’s leadership, Wike directed the FCT treasury department to use the 10 percent internally generated revenue (IGR) from the area councils to settle the teachers’ arrears.
Shafas further explained that the SWEC acknowledged the minister’s consistent intervention and willingness to address other outstanding demands, leading to the suspension of the strike.
However, the union urged the minister to take further steps to ensure the immediate implementation of the 40 percent peculiar allowance, N35,000 wage increase, and a 25 to 35 percent salary review, following the full settlement of the minimum wage arrears.
Shafas also expressed concern over the poor welfare of primary school teachers in the FCT, criticizing the area councils for their lack of commitment to fulfilling the teachers’ entitlements despite the difficult economic conditions in the country.
The NUT has called on all primary school teachers in the FCT to return to their classrooms starting Tuesday, October 8, 2024, while the union continues to push for the resolution of all pending issues and improvements in their welfare.
