FCT Teachers Call Off Strike After N5bn Funding Deal

Teachers in primary and secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have suspended their week-long strike following a fresh N5 billion monthly funding commitment by the FCT Administration.

The decision was reached at an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, held on Sunday in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The industrial action, which began on April 20, was triggered by unresolved issues, including the non-release and implementation of the 2025 ministerial committee report on outstanding entitlements, as well as concerns over promotion policies affecting classroom teachers.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and jointly signed by the FCT NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi M. Shafa; State Secretary, Comrade Margaret F. Jethro; and Public Secretary, Comrade Ibukun Adekeye, the union acknowledged the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

According to the communiqué, the minister approved a N5 billion monthly funding package to address teachers’ welfare. The sum comprises N2 billion from the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and N3 billion from the 10 per cent IGR allocation to area councils.

The union noted that the funds would enable the immediate implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and facilitate the settlement of outstanding entitlements owed to primary school teachers.

On the lingering issue of promotion—particularly the use of “vacancy” as a condition for advancing classroom teachers—the minister assured that the matter would be reviewed. He also pledged to engage with the FCT Civil Service Commission to address concerns arising from the 2024 promotion exercise.

Following deliberations, the union directed all teachers to resume duties from Monday, April 27, while warning that it would not hesitate to resume the strike if the agreement is not fully implemented.

The communiqué further stressed that no teacher should be victimised for participating in the industrial action.

Commending members for their solidarity and resilience, the union reaffirmed its commitment to improved welfare and better working conditions, urging teachers to remain dedicated to their duties in the interest of quality education in the FCT.