NUT MAY CALL OF STRIKE AS FCT MINISTER INTERVENES
By: Wisdom Acka
There are high hopes that the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wing may be called off soon.
This indication was made by the NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdulahi Mohammed Shafa, Chairman of the NUT FCT Wing in a press briefing after a meeting with the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike on Thursday, 23 April, 2026 in his official residence in Life Camp District, Abuja.
Shafa acknowledged the Minister’s commitment to resolving long-standing issues, including unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and infrastructure deficits in primary schools across the territory.
The NUT chairman particularly lauded the FCT Minister for carrying out comprehensive renovation of hundreds of schools, and for his efforts in the infrastructural transformation of the FCT, expressing optimism that teachers’ plight would also be resolved by the Minister.
He stated that he would take the resolution from the meeting he described as “very fruitful” back to the NUT where a decision would be reached.
In his remarks, the Minister expressed surprise at the strike notice despite previous agreements, emphasizing that education remains a top priority for his administration.
His words: “Unfortunately, there have been some lapses as the council chairmen were not invited. In my view, it would not be proper to hold such a crucial meeting without the involvement of those who are directly affected. I have presided over several meetings regarding the payment of teacher allowances and emoluments.
“Following these discussions, I set up a committee to resolve these issues. I even intercepted the IGR allocation from the area councils and directed the treasury to ensure that the money is paid directly to address these concerns.
“However, I was surprised to learn from the Chief of Staff about a communique indicating that, despite our agreement, there are plans to go on strike.
“I have repeatedly emphasized that education is vital, and continuous strikes will only negatively affect our children.
“Our intervention aims to resolve the payment of allowances and salaries to primary school teachers, which is the sole responsibility of the Councils”, he stated.”
