The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, has officially suspended its months-long strike, allowing primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory to return to classrooms today (Wednesday) following the payment of five months’ salary arrears.
The announcement was made in a joint communiqué signed by NUT FCT Chairman, Abdulahi Shafas, and Secretary, Margaret Jethro, who confirmed that the strike, which began in March 2025, had been called off after productive engagements with the FCT Administration.
“All primary school teachers in the FCT are to resume duty on Wednesday,” the union stated.
Wike’s Intervention Key to Resolution
The union expressed profound appreciation to FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whose timely intervention was instrumental in resolving the crisis.Wike had convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, July 3, which led to a landmark agreement requiring all six Area Councils to contribute 10 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) toward funding teachers’ salaries.
Following the agreement, ₦16 billion was disbursed from the Area Councils’ IGR share to offset salary arrears and partially settle other outstanding entitlements.
Path to Sustainable Funding
The union also revealed that a special committee will be formed within two weeks to address all remaining teacher entitlements and establish a sustainable payment structure to prevent future salary crises.
However, the NUT issued a stern warning, saying the strike would resume immediately if the government defaults on the agreed terms. “The strike is only suspended, not called off. Any breach of the agreement will lead to an immediate resumption of industrial action,” the union warned.
Appreciation for Support During Strike
The union extended gratitude to individuals, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and other supporters who stood by them during the months-long standoff. “We thank everyone who prayed with us and stood firm for the rights and welfare of teachers,” the communiqué added.
Teachers Return to Classrooms
With the resolution in place, the FCT NUT has directed all its members across the Area Councils to resume academic duties immediately, effectively restoring normalcy to primary school education in the FCT.
