Teachers in government-owned schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commenced an indefinite strike, protesting the non-payment of 60% of owed arrears by the Area Councils.
The strike follows a 14-day ultimatum issued by the FCT Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to the six area councils in the territory.
This strike action comes after an earlier indefinite strike on January 15, 2024, which had been suspended in November 2023. The initial strike aimed to demand the implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance and the payment of 25 months of minimum wage arrears, among other outstanding dues.
Following the January 2024 strike, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, through the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, intervened. On January 30, 2024, it was announced that the FCT Administration would pay 40% of the 25 months’ minimum wage arrears to primary school teachers, while the Area Councils would be responsible for the remaining 60%.
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Despite this, the Area Councils have failed to fulfill their part of the agreement, leading the FCT-NUT to resume the strike effective September 18, 2024. Abdullahi Shafa, the State Chairman of the union’s wing, stated that the teachers were left with no choice but to strike due to the council chairmen’s failure to pay the remaining 60% of the arrears owed.
In addition to the demand for the outstanding arrears, the NUT is now calling for an increase in salaries and the payment of the 40% peculiar allowances, which remain unpaid.
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“The State Wing Executive Council deliberated extensively on the issues affecting teachers in the FCT and resolved to resume the suspended strike action due to the non-response of the council chairmen to our demands,” Shafa declared.
The union is also demanding arrears for the N35,000 Wage Award, a 25% and 35% salary increase, and the correct implementation of the agreed-upon template on outstanding entitlements, which was agreed upon in 2022.
Parents have been advised to keep their children at home until further notice as the union has pledged to continue the strike until all demands are met by the Area Council chairmen.
“We appeal to all teachers to remain calm and disregard any counter directives except as issued by the Union,” said Margaret Jethro, the State Secretary of the NUT FCT Wing.
Meanwhile, pupils who arrived at school on Wednesday were turned away, disappointed as teachers directed them to return home. Attempts to reach the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and Area Council Chairmen Christopher Maikalangu of the Abuja Municipal Area Council and John Gabaya of Bwari Area Council for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.