FCT Teachers Instructed to Join Strike, Rally at Industrial Court

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory Wing, has directed all primary and secondary school teachers in the territory to join an indefinite strike beginning Monday, January 26

The directive follows an order from the Nigeria Labour Congress for all its affiliate unions in the FCT to escalate industrial action. The strike was initially launched on January 19 by the Joint Union Action Committee, which represents FCT Administration workers, over unresolved welfare issues.

In a communiqué signed by State Chairman Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary Margaret Jethro, and Publicity Secretary Ibukun Adekeye, the NUT instructed teachers to stay away from classrooms. It also called on educators within the city center and surrounding areas to gather at the National Industrial Court on Gimbiya Street, Area 11, by 7:00 a.m. on Monday to show solidarity during a hearing related to the case filed against JUAC.

While the NUT expressed initial reservations about the strike’s organization, it stated that the NLC’s intervention made a unified front necessary. The union reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating until teachers’ specific demands are addressed.

The striking workers’ grievances, highlighted by JUAC President Mrs. Rifkatu Iortyer, include non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, unpaid allowances, centralized and restrictive salary processing, and unpaid wages for certain environmental and social development officers.

The NUT urged members to remain steadfast, promising updates as the situation develops.