Primary and secondary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have suspended their ongoing strike following a new financial agreement worth N5 billion monthly reached with the FCT Administration.
The decision was announced after an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, held on Sunday at the Teachers’ House in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The strike, which began on April 20, 2026, was triggered by unresolved welfare issues, including unpaid entitlements and disputes over promotion procedures for classroom teachers.
N5bn Monthly Commitment Drives Resolution
The breakthrough came after intervention by the FCT Administration, which approved a N5bn monthly intervention fund to address teachers’ welfare concerns.
The package includes:
- N2bn from the FCT Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
- N3bn from the 10% IGR allocation to area councils
The funds are expected to cover the immediate implementation of the 40% peculiar allowance and settle outstanding arrears owed to teachers across primary schools in the FCT.
Teachers’ Union Commends Intervention
In a communiqué signed by union leaders, including Abdullahi M. Shafa, Margaret F. Jethro, and Ibukun Adekeye, the union acknowledged the intervention of the FCT Minister in resolving the dispute.
The union noted that the minister engaged stakeholders after concerns were raised over delayed implementation of the 2025 ministerial committee report on teachers’ entitlements.
Promotion Issues Still Under Review
Beyond salary arrears, teachers also raised concerns about promotion policies, especially the requirement of “vacancy” before advancement and delays in reviewing the 2024 promotion exercise.
According to the union, the FCT Minister assured further engagement with the Civil Service Commission to resolve the matter and provide feedback.
Strike Suspended, Schools Resume Monday
Following extensive deliberations, the union announced the immediate suspension of the strike and directed all teachers across the FCT to resume duties from Monday, April 27, 2026.
However, the union warned that the suspension remains conditional, stating it will reconsider its position if agreed terms are not implemented.
It also urged the FCTA to ensure that no teacher faces victimisation for participating in the industrial action.
What This Means for FCT Education
The suspension restores academic activities across public primary and secondary schools in Abuja, bringing relief to thousands of students affected by the strike.
It also highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly around funding delays, teacher welfare, and administrative bottlenecks.
