FCT Primary School Teachers Resume Strike Over Unpaid Minimum Wage

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all primary school teachers under the Local Education Authority (LEA) in the six area councils to resume their suspended strike from Monday, March 24, 2025.

The decision comes after the council chairmen failed to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage in the February 2025 salaries, despite previous assurances.

Speaking to journalists after an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting at the Teachers’ House in Gwagwalada on Sunday, FCT NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafas, expressed disappointment over the council chairmen’s refusal to honor their agreement with the union.

Shafas recalled that the union had initially suspended its strike on February 21, 2025, based on a commitment that the new minimum wage would be reflected in the February salary. However, when salaries were paid, the new wage was not included.

Describing the situation as “disturbing, disheartening, and lacking in sympathy, empathy, and sensitivity to the plight of primary school teachers,” the SWEC, after extensive deliberation, resolved that the strike would resume until the government meets their demands.

The teachers’ demands include:

• Immediate implementation of the new minimum wage by paying the difference between the old and new salaries for February.
• Payment of the March salary reflecting the full minimum wage increase.
• Payment of six months’ arrears of the minimum wage, as previously agreed.
• Implementation of the 40% peculiar allowance, the 25% and 35% salary increases, and the N35,000 wage award.

Shafas urged all union members to strictly comply with the directive and await further instructions.

Attempts to reach the Chairman of Kwali Area Council and FCT ALGON Chairman, Danladi Chiya, for a response were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to text messages at the time of filing this report.