FCT NUT Suspends Strike, Urges Teachers To Resume Duty Today
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, has officially suspended its prolonged strike, directing all primary school teachers across the six area councils in Abuja to resume duty on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
This development follows a major breakthrough in negotiations between the union, the FCT Administration, and the six Area Council Chairmen aimed at resolving the long-standing labour dispute that crippled public primary education in the territory for months.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the FCT NUT expressed appreciation to its members for their unwavering commitment and patience throughout the industrial action.
The union also commended parents, stakeholders, and members of the public for their understanding and support during the strike.
The union explained that the decision to suspend the strike was informed by a resolution reached between the Area Councils and the FCT Administration, which includes concrete financial commitments to settle the outstanding entitlements of teachers.
According to the agreement, each of the six Area Councils—Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali—will forfeit 10% of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) monthly over the next six months. The funds are to be used to clear salary arrears, unpaid promotion benefits, the 40% peculiar allowance, and a N35,000 wage award, all of which were part of a tripartite agreement signed in December 2024.
The union had embarked on the strike to demand the full implementation of this agreement, which they argued had been ignored despite several appeals and warnings. Teachers across the territory had remained off duty for months, leading to massive disruptions in academic activities and growing concern among parents and education advocates.
Reacting to the resolution, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the FCT NUT, said the union would closely monitor the implementation of the agreed terms. He stressed that while the strike is suspended, it could be resumed if the government fails to keep its promises.
“We have agreed to suspend the strike following the renewed commitment by the Area Council Chairmen and the intervention of the FCT Minister. However, our vigilance remains. We are giving this process a chance, but we will not hesitate to take further action if they default,” Knabayi stated.
In addition, a joint monitoring and implementation committee comprising representatives from the FCT NUT, the six Area Councils, the FCT Minister, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been set up.
The committee is expected to meet over the next two weeks to work out modalities for settling the remaining issues, particularly promotion arrears and delayed allowances.
Meanwhile, parents and guardians across the FCT have welcomed the development with relief, hoping that their children can now return to classrooms after months of academic inactivity.
However, concerns still linger over the impact of the strike on the academic calendar and learning outcomes.
With the directive now issued, public primary schools across Abuja are expected to reopen on Wednesday, marking the end of one of the most protracted labour disputes in the FCT education sector in recent times.
