● Union cites ₦5bn monthly commitment, orders immediate return to classrooms
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has suspended the strike by primary and secondary school teachers, directing members to resume duties on Monday, April 27.
The State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) announced the decision on Sunday in Gwagwalada after an emergency meeting to review the intervention of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the dispute that began on April 20.
SWEC Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, said the suspension followed the minister’s approval of a ₦5 billion monthly funding package to address teachers’ welfare and outstanding entitlements.
According to him, the arrangement includes ₦2 billion from the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and ₦3 billion from 10 per cent of IGR accruing to the Area Councils. The funds are to cover the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and the settlement of arrears owed to primary school teachers.
Shafa also said the minister pledged to address long-standing promotion issues by engaging the FCT Civil Service Commission to remove the vacancy requirement and review the 2024 promotion exercise.
The strike had paralysed public primary and secondary schools across the FCT for about a week, following disputes over unpaid entitlements and welfare concerns.
The union directed all affected teachers to return to classrooms immediately, while warning that it would reconsider its position if the FCT Administration fails to implement the agreement.
Shafa added that no teacher should face victimisation for participating in the strike and commended members for their solidarity.
