FCT Teachers’ Crisis: Wike Moves to Avert Prolonged Strike, Flags Lapses in Process

ABUJA — Efforts to resolve the ongoing teachers’ strike in the Federal Capital Territory intensified on Friday as the Minister, Nyesom Wike, ordered direct payment of teachers’ allowances in a bid to break the impasse.

The directive followed a high-level engagement with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), where the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the dispute had been managed.

Wike noted that critical stakeholders, particularly area council chairmen, were excluded from earlier deliberations, describing the omission as a major flaw.

“Unfortunately, there have been some lapses as the council chairmen were not invited,” he said. “It would not be proper to hold such a crucial meeting without those directly affected.”

He explained that beyond convening multiple meetings on the issue, he had also established a committee to tackle the problem of unpaid allowances.

To fast-track resolution, the Minister disclosed that he had taken the unusual step of intercepting Internally Generated Revenue allocations meant for area councils, directing that the funds be paid directly to meet teachers’ outstanding entitlements.

“I was surprised to learn that despite our agreement, there are plans to go on strike. Such action undermines ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis,” Wike said.

While acknowledging that the responsibility for paying primary school teachers lies with the area councils, he stressed that the FCT Administration intervened to avert a breakdown in the education system.

“I have repeatedly emphasised that education is vital, and continuous strikes will only negatively affect our children,” he added.

Reacting, NUT FCT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, described the meeting as productive, commending ongoing efforts to improve school infrastructure and welfare.

He, however, insisted that unresolved issues—including unpaid allowances, delayed promotions, and staffing shortages—continue to affect teachers.

Shafa warned that persistent stagnation in career progression could undermine morale and efficiency in the education sector.

He noted that the Minister had pledged immediate action, admitting he had not been fully briefed on the extent of the crisis.

Despite the engagement, Shafa said the strike remains in force, adding that the union’s leadership would meet to evaluate the discussions before announcing its next line of action.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the union had earlier directed teachers across the FCT to embark on an indefinite strike, citing the non-implementation of salary increments and peculiar allowances among its demands.

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