Following Minister Nyesom Wike’s intervention, the Nigeria Union of Teachers in the FCT is set to end their three-month strike after agreeing to withhold 10% of area councils’ revenue to pay part of owed wages, while a special committee will address remaining issues.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set to call off the three-month-long strike by primary school teachers following the intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Mr. Chidi Amadi, Chief of Staff to the minister, announced on Tuesday in Abuja that a closed-door meeting was held with area council chairmen, NUT leaders, FCT Administration representatives, members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs), and the National Assembly. The meeting, convened by Minister Wike, aimed to find a lasting solution to the prolonged strike. After extensive discussions, it was agreed that 10% of the accrued Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the area councils over the past six months would be withheld to pay 70% of the minimum wage arrears owed to teachers. Although this does not clear the entire debt, it marks a significant step toward resolving the issue.
A Special Committee was also established, including members from NUT, FCTA, area councils, and NANs, tasked with reviewing all remaining concerns and reporting back within two weeks with a plan for permanent resolution.
Minister Wike also pledged to address outstanding issues affecting local government employees to ensure that area councils can resume full operations promptly. Area council chairman Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi acknowledged the resolution, urging NUT to consider the welfare of the children and end the strike, expressing hope that schools would reopen by Friday. Olushola Oladoja, NANs National President, praised the minister’s decisive action and the chairmen’s willingness to sacrifice part of their IGR to resolve the crisis. NUT Chairman Mohammed Shafa said he would present the agreement to the NUT State Executive Council for final approval. The strike, which began in March, was triggered by non-implementation of the minimum wage and other salary adjustments, including 25% and 35% salary increases, a 40% peculiar allowance, and the N35,000 wage award entitlements agreed in 2022.
