FCT NUT Poised to End Three-Month Strike After Wike’s Intervention

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, is expected to call off its three-month strike soon, following successful mediation led by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Chief of Staff to the Minister, Mr. Chidi Amadi, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting involving Area Council Chairmen, NUT leadership, representatives of the FCT Administration, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and members of the National Assembly.

Amadi stated that the meeting was part of a series of interventions by the minister aimed at resolving the prolonged strike by primary school teachers in the FCT. After extensive deliberations, the stakeholders reached a resolution intended to end the impasse.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to withhold 10 percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the past six months. The funds will be used to pay approximately 70 percent of the minimum wage arrears owed to teachers.

“Although it won’t cover the full amount owed, it’s a significant step toward resolving the issue once and for all,” Amadi said.

Additionally, the Minister directed the formation of a Special Committee comprising three NUT members, two FCTA representatives, one area council chairman, and a representative from NANS. The committee is expected to address all outstanding issues and submit a comprehensive report within two weeks.

Amadi also revealed that Wike has committed to resolving all lingering matters concerning local government workers across the FCT to ensure full operational functionality of the area councils.

Speaking on behalf of the area council chairmen, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi acknowledged the resolution, noting that while it may not favor the councils financially, it is necessary to end the crisis.

“Six months of our IGR is being withheld to settle this issue. We appeal to the NUT to consider the future of our children and call off the strike,” Abdullahi said. “Minister Wike made it clear he had no legal authority to redirect the IGR, but we, the chairmen, agreed to it in the interest of peace and progress.”

He expressed optimism that schools would reopen by Friday.

Also speaking, NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, welcomed the development and commended Minister Wike’s decisive action. He acknowledged that although the Minister’s move could have faced legal opposition, the chairmen’s willingness to cooperate showed their shared commitment to resolving the issue.

NUT Chairman, Mohammed Shafa, confirmed the outcome of the meeting but noted that the final decision to suspend the strike would be made by the union’s State Executive Council.

The strike, which began in March, was triggered by the non-implementation of the national minimum wage and other financial entitlements. These included unpaid 25% and 35% salary increases, the 40% peculiar allowance, a ₦35,000 wage award, and the full implementation of the teachers’ outstanding entitlements template agreed upon in 2022.