The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has officially suspended the strike action embarked upon by primary school teachers since March 24, 2025.
In a communique released on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, following an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held in Abuja, the union announced the decision to call off the industrial action. The suspension, effective immediately, was attributed to the implementation of the new national minimum wage and the payment of five months’ salary arrears to the affected teachers.
The NUT has directed all striking primary school teachers in the FCT to resume their duties on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
The communique explained that the decision to end the over three-month-long strike followed the intervention of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, who facilitated a stakeholders’ meeting. This meeting brought together key parties including the Chairmen of the House Committees on FCT and FCT Area Councils, the FCT Head of Service, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Treasury, and representatives of the NUT.
The union acknowledged the Minister’s efforts in addressing the issue and expressed disappointment over the earlier lack of commitment from FCT education stakeholders. However, it commended the Minister for releasing N16 billion from the Area Councils’ six months’ share of the 10% FCT Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). This fund is intended to support the implementation of the new wage structure and to cover 60% of the nine-month salary arrears owed to the teachers.
In addition, the communique noted that the SWEC was satisfied with the Minister’s assurance that discussions are ongoing to permanently transfer the responsibility for paying teachers’ salaries from the Area Councils to the FCT Administration (FCTA).
To ensure a complete resolution, the NUT revealed plans to set up a special committee within two weeks. This committee will harmonize all outstanding arrears and map out sustainable funding strategies for settling the remaining entitlements.
The union also extended heartfelt appreciation to its members, especially the primary school teachers, for their resilience and solidarity throughout the duration of the strike. It further acknowledged the support received from FCT royal fathers, civil society organizations, and well-meaning individuals who contributed to the eventual resolution of the crisis.
