FCT primary school teachers suspend strike after Wike’s intervention

By Kunle Sanni –

Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have suspended their three-month-long strike following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other key stakeholders.

The teachers, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), had embarked on the strike in March over issues including the non-implementation of the national minimum wage, unpaid salary increases, and other outstanding entitlements.

Chidi Amadi, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, announced the resolution on Thursday after a high-level meeting involving the six FCT area council chairmen, NUT leaders, members of the National Assembly, and representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Amadi revealed that the FCT Administration agreed to withhold 10 percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) allocations to the six area councils for the past six months. These funds will be used to pay 70 percent of the minimum wage arrears owed to the teachers.

“While it may not clear the entire backlog, this move represents a significant step towards ending the prolonged crisis,” Amadi said.

A special committee has also been established to address remaining unresolved issues. It comprises representatives from the NUT, the FCT Administration, the area councils, and NANS, and is expected to submit a report within two weeks.

The teachers’ demands include payment of the 25 and 35 percent salary increases, the 40 percent peculiar allowance, and the N35,000 wage award. They also want full implementation of a 2022 agreement covering their outstanding entitlements.

Amadi assured that Minister Wike is equally committed to addressing similar concerns raised by local government workers, pledging that the FCT Administration will meet its obligations to all affected employees.

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