After nearly three weeks of strike action, primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), have suspended their protest.
The strike, which began on September 18, 2024, was triggered by unresolved issues, including the non-payment of 60% of the 25 months’ minimum wage arrears, the non-implementation of the 40% peculiar allowance, and other outstanding entitlements.
Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafas, the Chairman of the NUT in the FCT, announced the suspension of the strike following an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held in Gwagwalada.
According to Shafas, the union’s decision came after receiving renewed assurances from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who directed the FCT treasury department to utilize the 10% Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the area councils to pay the teachers.
The union acknowledged Minister Wike’s commitment to addressing their demands, noting his efforts to settle the 60% arrears and the assurance of future actions to implement the 40% peculiar allowance, N35,000 wage award, and a 25%-35% salary review.
Despite this progress, the NUT expressed disappointment over the failure of area council management to fulfill their financial obligations to teachers, especially in light of the current economic challenges.
While urging teachers to return to their classrooms on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the union assured its members that negotiations for the outstanding entitlements would continue.
“We remain committed to securing what is rightfully owed to our teachers and will keep pushing for the full implementation of our demands,” Shafas emphasized.
The suspension of the strike brings relief to parents and students, who have been eager to resume academic activities, but it also underscores ongoing frustrations within the teaching sector.
The situation will be closely monitored as the FCT administration works to fulfill its promises to the educators.
