Abuja, March 24 – Primary school teachers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday commenced an indefinite strike to protest the non-implementation of the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage.
The strike action follows the failure of FCT area council chairmen to fulfill an earlier agreement with the teachers. In a communique issued on Saturday after an emergency State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) meeting, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) condemned the non-payment of the revised wage, describing the situation as “worrisome” and “disheartening.”
“The payment of February salary by the councils without recourse to the union and the new minimum wage is disturbing, disheartening, and lacking in sympathy for the plight of primary school teachers in the FCT,” the union stated.
The NUT emphasized the economic hardship faced by teachers, warning that the continued neglect of their welfare would no longer be tolerated. The union called on the government to take urgent steps to address the issue, urging its members to strictly adhere to the strike directive.
Among the teachers’ key demands are:
- Payment of March salaries reflecting the new minimum wage.
- Disbursement of six months’ minimum wage arrears as previously agreed.
- Implementation of various allowances, including a 40 percent peculiar allowance and additional salary adjustments.
The strike decision followed teachers’ receipt of their February salary without the inclusion of the agreed wage increase. The NUT maintained that until their demands are met, the strike action will continue indefinitely.
The development has raised concerns about disruptions to academic activities in FCT primary schools, with parents and stakeholders urging the government to resolve the impasse swiftly.