FCT teachers suspend strike after over three months as Wike pledges N16bn to clear salary arrears and implement minimum wage agreement from July 9, 2025.
FCT teachers suspend strike after more than three months of industrial action, following a direct intervention by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Also read: FCT Chairmen Forfeit IGR in Urgent Move to Resolve Prolonged Teachers’ Strike
The teachers, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), had been on strike since March 24, 2025, protesting unpaid arrears and the failure of the area councils to implement the new national minimum wage.
The breakthrough came after a stakeholders’ meeting convened by Minister Wike on Thursday, July 3, where he announced a plan to allocate 10 per cent of the internally generated revenue of the area councils to settle outstanding salaries.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting on Friday, July 4, 2025, the union confirmed its acceptance of the offer and called on all members to resume duty from Wednesday, July 9.
“Consequent upon the implementation of the new minimum wage and payment of five months arrears into the teachers’ accounts today, July 8, 2025, the SWEC hereby suspends the ongoing strike action and appeals to all primary school teachers in FCT to, with effect from Wednesday, July 9, 2025, return to the classrooms,” the union said.
The communique highlighted that the payment of N16 billion in arrears and the minister’s decision to take over the salary obligations of primary school teachers by the FCTA were considered a credible path to resolution.
Consequent upon the implementation of the new minimum wage and payment of five months arrears into the teachers’ accounts today, July 8, 2025, the SWEC hereby suspends the ongoing strike action.
The FCT teachers suspend strike decision also included appreciation for key stakeholders who stood in solidarity with the teachers during the impasse.
“The SWEC-in-session wishes to use this medium to appreciate all members, especially the primary school teachers for their unwavering support, solidarity, cooperation and prayers while the strike lasted. Our special thanks go to the FCT royal fathers, civil society organisations, and other well-meaning individuals who intervened and stood by us during the strike,” the communiqué read.
The union extended further appreciation to the national leadership of the NUT, as well as both the National and FCT branches of the Nigeria Labour Congress, for their support and guidance throughout the industrial action.
With the FCT teachers suspend strike announcement now formalised, schools in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory are expected to resume full academic activities beginning Wednesday.
Also read: Peter Obi Condemns Neglect of Abuja Pupils Amid Prolonged Teachers’ Strike
The union, however, maintained that it would continue engaging the FCT administration until all outstanding entitlements are fully settled.
