The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has moved to resolve the ongoing teachers’ strike in Abuja by ordering the direct payment of their allowances and other entitlements.
The decision comes amid rising concerns over the prolonged shutdown of public primary schools across the FCT.
Wike announced the directive after a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Abuja. The meeting focused on finding an immediate solution to the lingering dispute over unpaid salaries and benefits.
The Minister expressed dissatisfaction with how the issue had been handled so far. He pointed to procedural lapses, especially the exclusion of key stakeholders from earlier discussions.
“Unfortunately, there have been some lapses as the council chairmen were not invited.
“It would not be proper to hold such a crucial meeting without those directly affected,” the Minister said.
He explained that he had already chaired several meetings on the matter. He also set up a committee to look into the complaints raised by teachers. According to him, the fresh directive is aimed at breaking the deadlock and restoring normalcy in schools.
Wike disclosed that he took the extra step of intercepting Internally Generated Revenue allocations meant for the six area councils in the FCT. He said the funds would now be paid directly to teachers to clear outstanding obligations.
“I was surprised to learn that despite our agreement, there are plans to go on strike. Such action undermines ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis.
“Primary school teachers’ salaries and allowances remain the statutory responsibility of the area councils, but the FCT Administration stepped in to prevent disruption in the education system.
“I have repeatedly emphasised that education is vital, and continuous strikes will only negatively affect our children,” he added.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUT FCT Wing, Abdullahi Shafa, described the engagement with the Minister as productive. He acknowledged improvements in school infrastructure under the current administration.
However, Shafa noted that key welfare issues affecting teachers are yet to be fully addressed. He highlighted concerns over unpaid entitlements, delayed promotions, and unfilled vacancies in schools.
He warned that prolonged stagnation in career progression could affect teachers’ morale and reduce productivity in classrooms. Shafa also revealed that the Minister admitted he was not fully briefed on the depth of the crisis before now.
Despite the meeting, the union has not called off the strike. Shafa said the leadership of the union would meet to assess the outcome of the discussions before taking a final decision.
The strike action, which began last week, has kept many public primary and secondary schools in the FCT shut. The union had earlier accused authorities of failing to respond to its demands.
Among the issues raised are the non-implementation of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increments, as well as the failure to pay the 40 per cent peculiar allowance owed to teachers.
There are also complaints about delayed promotions and poor welfare conditions, which the union insists must be addressed before normal academic activities can resume.
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