Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have resumed their strike, halting classes across six area councils, after local authorities failed to honor a promised minimum wage increase. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT wing announced the renewed industrial action, citing a breach of trust by council chairmen. Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafas, FCT NUT Chairman, expressed deep disappointment, stating that the teachers had suspended a previous strike based on assurances that the new N70,000 minimum wage would be included in their February salaries.
However, the February paychecks arrived without the increase, a move the union described as “a disturbing betrayal of trust and an insult to the dedication of our members.”
“We were promised, and we were deceived,” Shafas declared after an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC). “The council’s disregard for our agreement leaves us with no choice but to resume our strike.”
The teachers are demanding immediate payment of the differential between the old and new minimum wage for February, inclusion of the new wage in March salaries, payment of six months’ worth of arrears, and implementation of other agreed-upon allowances.
The SWEC has directed all primary school teachers to comply with the strike action, effective Monday, March 24, 2025, until their demands are met. Shafas urged members to stand firm and await further directives.
Attempts to reach Danladi Chiya, Chairman of Kwali Area Council and FCT ALGON Chairman, for comment were unsuccessful. He did not respond to calls or text messages.
