A labour dispute affecting public education in the FCT remains a major local story. The FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress began an indefinite strike on 7 October after a seven-day ultimatum over unresolved issues involving teachers’ promotion and welfare expired.

The union has raised concerns about career progression, including a vacancy-related clause that it says has left some teachers waiting for promotion. Its demands have included completing outstanding promotion exercises and reviewing decisions affecting certain directors and redeployed staff.

On 11 October, the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed the six area council chairmen to enforce a ‘no work, no pay’ policy for workers who participated in the strike. Wike argued that the issues were being addressed and described the action as politically motivated. But the unions have maintained that their concerns remain unresolved.

The dispute has also produced disagreement among labour and education groups. Reports earlier in the week described differing positions among unions and education authorities over whether teachers should remain away from classrooms or return to work.

Observers have expressed concerns over the effect of the strike on pupils and families if the dispute continues.