Primary and secondary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have suspended their week-long strike following an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing.
The decision was reached on Sunday at the FCT Teachers’ House in Gwagwalada, Abuja, after the union reviewed fresh commitments made by the FCT Administration to address long-standing welfare and promotion concerns.
The strike, which began on April 20, 2026, was triggered by unresolved issues including the non-implementation of the 2025 ministerial committee report on teachers’ entitlements and disputes surrounding promotion conditions, particularly the controversial “vacancy” requirement.
Central to the resolution is a financial package approved by the FCT Minister, who pledged a total of N5 billion monthly to address teachers’ demands. The breakdown includes N2 billion from the FCT’s internally generated revenue and N3 billion sourced from 10 percent of Area Councils’ IGR.
According to the communiqué, the funds will be used for the immediate implementation of a 40 percent peculiar allowance for primary school teachers, as well as the settlement of other outstanding entitlements.
On the contentious issue of promotions, the minister reportedly acknowledged he was previously unaware of the “vacancy” requirement affecting classroom teachers. He, however, assured the union of his readiness to engage with the FCT Civil Service Commission to review the 2024 promotion exercise and address the concerns raised.
Following what it described as “exhaustive deliberations” and noting the government’s commitment, SWEC resolved to suspend the strike with immediate effect. Teachers across the FCT have been directed to resume duties on Monday, April 27, 2026.
The union also issued a warning that it would reconsider its position if the FCT Administration fails to honour the agreement reached.
SWEC emphasized that no teacher or staff member should face victimisation for participating in the industrial action, while commending members for their “resoluteness and steadfastness” throughout the strike period.
The communiqué, signed by State Chairman Comrade Abdullahi M. Shafa, State Secretary Comrade Margaret F. Jethro, and Publicity Secretary Comrade Ibukun Adekeye, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to improved welfare for teachers.
It also urged members to return to classrooms with renewed dedication to improving the quality of education in the FCT.
Comment:*
Nickname*
E-mail*
Website
