As the teachers’ strike in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) stretches into its third month, pressure continues to mount on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over what critics describe as a sluggish and inadequate response to the crisis.
The strike, which began on September 18, 2024, was triggered by the failure of the six Area Council Chairmen to fulfill their obligations to public primary school teachers, including the payment of 25 months’ minimum wage arrears and other entitlements. Despite an initial intervention by Minister Wike—who facilitated the payment of 40% of the arrears—teachers, under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), say the remaining 60% and other agreed allowances remain unpaid.
“The silence and inaction from the FCT administration are deafening,” said Comrade Abdullahi Shafa, Chairman of the NUT FCT Wing. “Our members have been patient, but we cannot continue to teach on empty stomachs while promises go unfulfilled.”
The union’s demands include the full implementation of salary increases, payment of the N35,000 wage award, and adherence to a previously agreed template for outstanding entitlements. With public primary schools across the FCT still shuttered, parents and students are bearing the brunt of the prolonged impasse.
Minister Wike has publicly criticized the Area Council Chairmen for their failure to act, but many stakeholders argue that his administration must take more decisive steps to resolve the deadlock.