Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stepped into the ongoing teachers’ strike in Abuja, directing that outstanding allowances and emoluments be paid directly in a bid to resolve the crisis.
Wike made the intervention after meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT wing in Abuja, where he expressed concern that continued industrial action would further disrupt learning and affect pupils in public schools.
He criticised lapses in the handling of the dispute, noting that key stakeholders, including area council chairmen, were not properly involved in earlier discussions.
“It would not be proper to hold such a crucial meeting without those directly affected,” he said.
The minister disclosed that he had previously set up a committee to address the lingering welfare issues affecting primary school teachers, including unpaid entitlements and allowances.
Wike said he took a decisive step by ordering that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) meant for area councils be redirected to settle the outstanding obligations owed to teachers.
According to him, the move was necessary to prevent further breakdown in the education system, stressing that the welfare of schoolchildren must come first.
“I was surprised to learn that despite our agreement, there are plans to go on strike,” he added, warning that such actions could undermine ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis.
He also clarified that while primary school teachers’ salaries remain the statutory responsibility of area councils, the FCT Administration had stepped in to avoid prolonged disruption.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, described the engagement with the minister as productive but said key issues remain unresolved, especially unpaid entitlements and delayed promotions.
He added that the union’s indefinite strike action had not yet been suspended, as members would need to review the outcome of the meeting before taking a final decision.
The strike, declared last week, was triggered by unresolved welfare demands, including salary adjustments and allowances owed to teachers across the FCT.
Sun
