Shutdown In Federal Capital Territory As Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike

The State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory chapter, has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Federal Capital Territory to begin an indefinite strike starting Monday.

The union also urged parents and guardians to keep their children at home until further notice, citing unresolved welfare concerns and what it described as a lack of government response.

The directive was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency SWEC meeting held in Gwagwalada, Abuja, over the weekend.

The document, jointly signed by State Chairman Abdullahi Shafa, State Secretary Margaret Jethro, and Publicity Secretary Ibukun Adekeye, was released to journalists on Saturday.

Teachers across the FCT were instructed to fully comply with the strike action and await further directives from the union leadership.

According to the communiqué, the industrial action will continue indefinitely until the government addresses the union’s demands.

The NUT explained that the decision followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on March 11, which lapsed on March 29 without a meaningful response.

Although the minister had previously intervened—leading to the suspension of a 14-week strike in July 2025—the union said several key issues remain unresolved.

It recalled that a committee set up in July 2025 to harmonise outstanding entitlements and propose lasting solutions completed its work and submitted a report in August 2025, but the findings have yet to be made public.

While acknowledging the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and the payment of nine months’ salary arrears as positive steps, the union expressed concern over delays in addressing other pending issues.

The NUT attributed its latest action to the prolonged silence of authorities and worsening economic conditions affecting teachers.

Among its demands, the union called for the removal of the “vacancy” requirement for teacher promotions and a comprehensive review of the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission.

It also noted that despite granting both the initial ultimatum and an additional 28-day grace period, there has been no concrete response from the authorities.

Following extensive deliberations, the council resolved that teachers across the FCT would withdraw their services indefinitely until their demands are fully met.