The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday held a crucial meeting with key stakeholders to address the ongoing teachers’ strike, which began on March 24, 2025. In attendance were leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and the chairmen of the six Area Councils within the FCT.
The meeting was held at the minister’s official residence in Abuja.
The strike stems from the teachers’ demand for full implementation of a tripartite agreement signed on December 11, 2024. The agreement includes a ₦70,000 minimum wage for teachers, payment of 25%–35% salary arrears, a 40% peculiar allowance, the ₦35,000 wage award from the Federal Government, and outstanding promotion arrears spanning several years.
Following the closed-door session, Abubakar Abdullahi, Chairman of the Abaji Area Council, announced that Minister Wike had approved the withdrawal of 10% of the councils’ internally generated revenue (IGR) for the next six months to pay the teachers.
Abdullahi acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but noted that the chairmen agreed to it in the interest of education and public peace.
“We’ve concluded a meeting with the minister, NUT leadership, and Area Council chairmen. Though the resolution places a heavy financial burden on us—committing six months’ IGR—we have accepted it in good faith. We’re appealing to the NUT to consider the children and suspend the strike,” he said.
He also clarified that while the minister does not have the legal authority to redirect Area Council funds, the chairmen agreed to the move voluntarily.
“Our hope is that the union will call off the strike before the end of the day, so children can return to school tomorrow,” he added.
Also speaking after the meeting, NANS President Olushola Ladoja said the teachers had requested payment of 70% of the total owed salaries and arrears, which was agreed upon by all parties.
“A breakdown of the IGR confirmed that the 70% demand is achievable. The minister has directed that the funds be allocated accordingly and urged the NUT to end the strike. A committee, which includes NANS, has also been set up to address any outstanding issues and report back within two weeks,” Ladoja stated.
He commended Minister Wike’s efforts, especially in light of the legal complexities surrounding the use of council funds.
FCT NUT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, said the union would convene a State Wing Executive Council meeting to decide on the next steps based on the outcome of the talks.
