BREAKING: FCT NUT Suspends 4-Month Strike, Urges Teachers to Resume July 9

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wing, has officially suspended its prolonged strike action which began on March 24, 2025, following a ₦16 billion intervention by the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

In a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the FCT Teachers’ House, Gwagwalada, the union directed all primary school teachers in the FCT to resume work on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

The SWEC stated it met to deliberate on the offer made by the Minister to resolve the strike action, which included:

The release of six months’ worth of 10% Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) accrued to Area Councils, amounting to ₦16 billion, to cover the June New Minimum Wage and 60% of nine-month salary arrears.

The constitution of a special committee to harmonize all outstanding arrears and determine sustainable funding sources for permanent settlement.

The union acknowledged the Minister’s “positive disposition” and direct intervention, noting that he had taken over responsibility for payment of the primary school teachers’ emoluments by the FCTA.

“The SWEC in-session noted that the Honourable Minister reiterated the payment of FCT Primary School Teachers’ salaries as the responsibility of the Area Councils but emphasized the inadequacy of their allocation to cater for the payment,” the communiqué read.

The SWEC expressed disappointment over the “insensitivity and lack of commitment of the Primary School Education stakeholders in the FCT,” but commended the FCT Minister’s decisive involvement, including the support from key legislative figures and agencies.

The union resolved to suspend the strike on the condition that the ₦16 billion is released and paid into teachers’ accounts, with confirmation of the New Minimum Wage and five months’ arrears being settled by Monday, July 8, 2025.

In response, the NUT called on all FCT primary school teachers to return to classrooms on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, while the union continues to press for full settlement of remaining entitlements.

“The Union intensifies more efforts to ensure the settlement of the remaining entitlements,” the statement emphasized.

The SWEC also extended appreciation to the teachers for their “unwavering support, solidarity, cooperation and prayers” during the four-month strike and acknowledged the efforts of FCT Royal Fathers, Civil Society Organizations, and other stakeholders who stood by them throughout the industrial action.

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