Wike moves to end FCT teachers’ strike, orders direct payment of allowances

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has stepped into the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in Abuja, ordering the direct payment of outstanding allowances and emoluments in a bid to resolve the dispute.

Wike intervened in a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Abuja, where both sides discussed the prolonged welfare issues affecting teachers in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said he had taken personal steps to break the deadlock, including setting up committees and intervening in funding flows meant for area councils.

According to him, he also redirected internally generated revenue allocations to the councils to ensure that outstanding obligations to teachers were paid directly.

“I was surprised to learn that despite our agreement, there are plans to go on strike. Such action undermines ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis,” he said.

Teachers’ welfare at the centre of dispute

The minister expressed concern over what he described as procedural lapses in handling the dispute, noting that key stakeholders, including area council chairmen, were not fully involved in earlier discussions.

He warned that continued strikes would have serious consequences for schoolchildren already affected by disruptions in the education system.

Earlier, the chairman of the NUT FCT wing, Abdullahi Shafa, described the engagement with the minister as fruitful but said key issues affecting teachers remain unresolved.

These include unpaid allowances, delayed promotions, and unfilled vacancies, which the union says are affecting morale and productivity in schools.

Strike still in force pending union decision

The NUT had earlier directed primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT to begin an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare concerns, including salary increments and unpaid allowances.

Despite the minister’s intervention, the union clarified that the strike has not been suspended, adding that its leadership would meet to review the outcome of the discussions before taking a final decision.

Shafa acknowledged government efforts to improve school infrastructure but insisted that teachers’ welfare remains a critical issue that must be addressed urgently.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over education funding and labour obligations within the FCT administration, even as authorities push for a swift resolution to restore normal academic activities.

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