Chairmen of the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to striking public primary school teachers to return to the classrooms, assuring them that steps have been taken to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage. The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the prolonged disruption of academic activities in public schools across the territory.

Speaking on behalf of the FCT chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), John Gabaya, who also serves as Chairman of Bwari Area Council, told journalists on Monday that the councils have commenced implementation of the wage increase. He emphasized the commitment of the local authorities to fulfilling their obligations and resolving all outstanding issues affecting teachers’ welfare.

The teachers, under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), have been on strike to protest the failure of the area councils to fully implement the new wage structure and address other long-standing entitlements. Despite reassurances from the council leadership, the union has yet to suspend the industrial action, which continues to impact thousands of pupils in FCT public schools.