Abuja Youths Drag FCTA to Court Over Prolonged Teachers, Health Workers’ Strike
A civil rights advocacy group, the Assembly of Indigenous Youths of Abuja (AOIYEO), has taken legal action against the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory over the continued shutdown of primary education and healthcare services.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the FCT High Court and marked CV/2484/25, challenges the ongoing strike by primary school teachers and health workers, which has entered its fourth month.
The group accuses the government bodies of infringing on the fundamental rights of Abuja residents particularly children and the underprivileged by failing to resolve the industrial action.
In their suit, AOIYEO argues that the failure to provide access to basic education and healthcare services violates key constitutional rights enshrined in Sections 33, 34, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the right to life, dignity of the human person, and freedom from discrimination.
The group also cited Article 16(1)(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, which mandates the state to ensure citizens enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
AOIYEO is seeking multiple declarations, that the prolonged denial of education to primary school pupils constitutes a violation of their constitutional right to education, life, and dignity.
That residents of the FCT’s six Area Councils are entitled to continuous, accessible healthcare services as a matter of legal and human rights.
That the government’s failure to restore essential services after over 90 days is unlawful, discriminatory, and inhumane.
The case brings renewed attention to the deepening crisis in public service delivery in the capital territory, with thousands of children out of school and patients left without access to medical care.
As at press time, the FCTA and Area Council authorities have not issued any formal response to the lawsuit.
