JUST-IN: FCT Teachers Call Off Strike After Wike’s N5bn Pledge

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, has suspended its ongoing strike action with immediate effect, following what it described as appreciable commitments from the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, towards resolving teachers’ longstanding grievances.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held on Sunday evening, April 26, 2026, at the FCT Teachers’ House, Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The communiqué was jointly signed by Abdullahim Shafa (State Chairman), Margaret F. Jethro (State Secretary), and Ibukun Adekeye (State Publicity Secretary).

LEADERSHIP reports that the union had declared the strike on April 20, 2026, over two major issues, which were the release and implementation of the 2025 Ministerial Committee report on primary school teachers’ outstanding entitlements, and the removal of the “Vacancy” precondition for classroom teachers’ promotion, including a total review of the 2024 promotion exercise.

According to the communiqué, the minister approved a monthly commitment of N5 billion, comprising N2 billion from the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and N3 billion from the 10 per cent IGR accruing to Area Councils, to fast-track the implementation of the 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and settle other outstanding entitlements for primary school teachers.

On the issue of promotion, the minister reportedly admitted having no prior knowledge of the matter but assured the union of an imminent meeting with the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission to resolve it appropriately.

After exhaustive deliberations, SWEC resolved that the ongoing strike by primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT be suspended with immediate effect.

That all teachers are directed to return to the classroom from Monday, April 27, 2026, and should the FCT Administration fail to abide by the agreement reached, the union will review its position.

The Union further stated that no teacher or staff member shall be victimised for participating in the strike.

The union saluted the resoluteness of its members for sustaining the action while it lasted and assured them of its continued commitment to agitating for improved working conditions.