ABUJA, Nigeria — Public primary and secondary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria began an indefinite strike on Monday, April 20, 2026, resulting in the closure of schools throughout the region.
Okay News reports that the State Wing Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed members to embark on the industrial action following an emergency meeting held in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on April 17, 2026.
Schools, including LEA Ijayapi Primary School and LEA Byazhin Primary School under the Abuja Municipal Area Council, were deserted on the morning of April 20, 2026, with classrooms locked. A visit to the school premises at 7:55 a.m. revealed that both windows and doors remained shut with no staff or pupils present.
The union leadership, including State Chairman Abdullahi Shafa, State Secretary Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary Ibukun Adekeye, signed the communiqué confirming the directive. The union instructed teachers to remain off duty until their demands are met and advised parents to keep children at home.
The industrial action follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on March 11, 2026, which ended on March 29, 2026, followed by a 28-day grace period. While the union acknowledged the implementation of the N70,000 ($43.75 USD) minimum wage and the payment of nine months of arrears, they noted that other issues remain unresolved.
Demands include the implementation of a report submitted by a committee constituted on July 7, 2025, which was submitted in August 2025 but has not been made public. The union also requested the removal of the vacancies condition tied to teachers’ promotion and a review of the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission.
“After exhaustive deliberations on the industrial issues and the silence on the legitimate demands of teachers’ welfare, the Council resolved that all public primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT shall, with effect from Monday, proceed on an indefinite strike until our demands are met,” the union said.
