The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration under the Minister Nyesom Wike, demanding an immediate resolution of the teachers’ grievances.
This comes as the indefinite strike by primary school teachers in the FCT reached its 86th day, crippling academic activities in over 400 public primary schools across the six Area Councils.
The prolonged industrial action, which began on March 24, 2025, stems from the failure of the Area Council chairmen to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage and clear outstanding salary arrears, despite a binding agreement.
In a letter signed by the NLC FCT Chairperson, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, and dated June 11, 2025, the union threatened mass mobilisation and picketing of FCT Administration offices if the demands are not met by Thursday, June 19.
The letter condemned the persistent refusal of the FCT Administration to grant the union an audience, describing the government’s inaction as “irresponsible and provocative.”
“The NLC FCT Council has written several letters seeking an audience with you, but none have been honoured,” the statement read. “Your refusal to act on our position letter and demands served on April 24 and again on May 16, 2025, is noted with displeasure. You are hereby duly notified that failure to act within seven days will result in the picketing of FCTA offices on June 19, 2025.”
The strike was triggered by the failure of all six Area Councils to honour the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 11, 2024. The MoU was brokered by the FCT Administration and endorsed by key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the NLC.
Key provisions of the agreement included the commencement of the ₦70,000 minimum wage from January 2025, phased payment of at least five months’ arrears, and the allocation of 50% of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the Area Councils to finance the payments.
A tripartite implementation committee, chaired by Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, was also established. However, no component of the MoU has been implemented as of mid-June.
