Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced the resumption of an indefinite strike, effective Monday, March 24, 2025.
The decision, led by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), follows the non-implementation of the promised N70,000 minimum wage in their February salaries.
Why the Strike?
In an emergency State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) meeting held in Gwagwalada on March 22, 2025, union leaders condemned the failure of Area Council Chairmen to honor agreements regarding salary adjustments.
A communique from the meeting stated:
“The Union finds it worrisome the constant and flagrant disregard for agreements reached with the Area Council Chairmen in FCT.”
Teachers Demand Immediate Action
The NUT emphasized that teachers had suspended their previous strike on February 21, 2025, based on assurances that the new national minimum wage would be implemented in their February salaries.
However, February salaries were processed without the increase, sparking outrage.
“Why the continuous impoverishing of the impoverished? Why impose continuous hardship and suffering on the teachers and their families? ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!” the communique stated.
The teachers are demanding: Immediate payment of the wage differential for February, Full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage in March salaries, Payment of six months’ arrears of the new wage, Implementation of allowances, including a 40% peculiar allowance
FCT NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafas, expressed frustration with the government’s failure to fulfill its commitments.
“We suspended our strike in good faith, believing the new minimum wage would be implemented in February. Processing salaries without it is disheartening and shows a lack of empathy for teachers.”
With no resolution in sight, the NUT has advised parents to keep their children at home until further notice.
The union has also warned that until their demands are met, the strike will not be called off.
