By Aaior K. Comfort

FCT Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Minimum Wage Arrears*Public primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have embarked on an indefinite strike, protesting the failure of six Area Council chairmen to pay outstanding arrears of their minimum wage and fulfill other commitments.

The strike was announced by Comrade Abdullahi Shafa, the FCT Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), following a meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the union. Despite the intervention of FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike, who helped settle 40% of the 25-month minimum wage arrears, the council chairmen have yet to address the remaining demands or respond to the union’s 14-day ultimatum.

The teachers’ demands include:
1. Payment of the remaining 60% of the 25-month minimum wage arrears.
2. Implementation and payment of arrears related to the 25% and 35% salary increases.
3. Payment of arrears for a 40% peculiar allowance.
4. Payment of arrears of the N35,000 wage award.
5. Correct implementation of the agreed template on teachers’ outstanding entitlements.

The strike, which started on September 18, 2024, has led to the closure of all public primary schools in the FCT. The NUT has urged teachers to stay calm and only follow directives from the union.

This is not the first time FCT teachers have taken such action. In January 2024, they launched a similar strike over unpaid wages, and FCT Minister Wike blamed the Area Council chairmen for failing to meet their obligations.