By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu
Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have launched a fresh strike, turning back pupils from school just three days before the end of their first-term examinations. The strike, which began on Monday, is a result of the FCT administration’s failure to pay the new N70,000 minimum wage.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) had directed all workers in the FCT to embark on an indefinite strike from December 1, 2024, over the non-implementation of the minimum wage arrears. The strike has affected not only the teachers but also other workers in the FCT.
The strike was prompted by the failure of the area council chairmen to pay arrears owed to the teachers
According to Comrade Ameh Baba, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kubwa chapter, the strike was prompted by the failure of the area council chairmen to pay arrears owed to the teachers. Baba noted that despite Minister Nyesom Wike’s approval of the new minimum wage, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) teachers had not yet received the adjustment.
The teachers are also demanding the payment of a N40,000 peculiar allowance and a N35,000 wage award that has been outstanding for up to a year. Baba warned that the strike would continue until the teachers’ demands were met.
The ongoing strike has left pupils and parents worried about the impact on their education
This is not the first time teachers in the FCT have gone on strike this term. A previous strike, which began on September 18, lasted for nearly three weeks before being called off on October 7. The ongoing strike has left pupils and parents worried about the impact on their education.
