FCT Teachers Suspend Strike After Minister Intervenes with N16 Billion Relief Package

Primary school teachers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have suspended their months-long strike action following a major financial intervention by the FCT Minister.

In a move to address the prolonged salary crisis, the Minister announced last Thursday that 10% of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Area Councils would be used to settle outstanding emoluments.

The six-month backlog of IGR from the Area Councils, amounting to N16 billion, has now been earmarked for this purpose.

According to a communique signed by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abdullahi Shafas; the State Secretary, Margaret Jethro; and the Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye, the Minister’s offer provided a “workable pathway” to end the industrial action.

“Having deliberated exhaustively on the aforementioned offers, including the positive disposition of the Honourable Minister for taking over the payment of the Primary School Teachers’ emoluments by the FCTA, the SWEC-In-Session resolved to suspend the Strike action on the release of the N16 billion and its payment to the Teachers’ accounts,” the communique stated.

The suspension came after the disbursement of five months’ arrears and the implementation of the new minimum wage for teachers on Monday, July 8, 2025.

Consequently, the union has directed all primary school teachers to resume duties on Wednesday, July 9.

“Consequent upon the implementation of the New Minimum Wage and payment of five months Arrears into the Teachers’ accounts today, 8th July 2025; the SWEC hereby suspends the ongoing Strike action and appeals to all Primary School Teachers in FCT to, with effect from Wednesday, 9th July 2025, return to the classrooms and continue with their legitimate duties while the Union intensifies efforts to ensure the settlement of the remaining entitlements,” the union said.

The NUT expressed appreciation to various stakeholders who supported their cause throughout the duration of the strike.

“The SWEC – In Session wishes to use this medium to appreciate all members, especially the Primary School Teachers, for their unwavering support, solidarity, cooperation and prayers while the strike lasted.

“Our special thanks go to the FCT Royal fathers, Civil Society Organizations, and other well-meaning individuals who, in one way or the other, intervened and stood by us during the strike.

“We equally wish to thank the National Head Office of our Union – NUT, the National and the FCT Council of the NLC for the support and guidance,” the communique added. With the teachers now set to return to classrooms, attention turns to ensuring sustained funding and the full settlement of remaining arrears in the coming weeks.