FCT NUT suspends teachers’ strike

The State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has suspended the strike by primary and secondary school teachers with immediate effect.

The announcement was made on Sunday in Gwagwalada by the SWEC Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, following an emergency meeting convened to assess recent interventions by the FCT administration. The strike, which began on April 20, had disrupted academic activities across public schools in the territory.

Shafa said the decision to call off the industrial action was prompted by commitments from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, aimed at addressing longstanding grievances of teachers.

According to him, the minister approved a monthly funding package of N5 billion to tackle outstanding entitlements and improve teachers’ welfare. The arrangement includes N2 billion from the FCT’s internally generated revenue and an additional N3 billion sourced from 10 per cent of the internally generated revenue accruing to the area councils. The funds are expected to facilitate the implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance and the settlement of arrears owed to primary school teachers.

On career progression, Shafa said the minister had also pledged to engage with the FCT Civil Service Commission to remove the vacancy requirement that has hindered promotions, as well as to review the 2024 promotion exercise.

Following the resolution reached with stakeholders, the union directed all affected teachers to resume duties on Monday, April 27.

He further stated that no teacher should face victimisation for participating in the strike, warning that the union could reconsider its position if the agreements are not fully implemented.

Shafa commended teachers for their solidarity throughout the industrial action and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to securing improved working conditions.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria