By Rabi Musa Umar
In another bold intervention, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has stepped in once again to mediate the prolonged strike action by primary school teachers in the FCT.
On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Wike convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, including the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and the Chairmen of all six FCT Area Councils. The meeting, held behind closed doors, also had in attendance the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, the FCTA Head of Civil Service, and the Permanent Secretary of the FCTA Treasury, Alhaji Adamu Wanki.
Following the session, Hon. Amadi briefed journalists and expressed confidence that the strike—now in its advanced stages—would soon be resolved. “The Hon. Minister called this crucial meeting to address the lingering teachers’ strike that has disrupted academic activities across FCT’s Area Councils. After in-depth deliberations, we believe the issue has been largely resolved,” he stated.
According to Amadi, the stakeholders agreed on the immediate payment of approximately 70% of the owed salaries and arrears to primary school teachers. This will be financed through the internally generated revenue (IGR) accrued by the Area Councils over the past six months.
To tackle the remaining issues, a special resolution committee has been established. The committee will consist of three NUT representatives, two officials from the FCTA, one Area Council Chairman, and one NANS representative. They are expected to present a comprehensive report within two weeks.
Amadi also revealed that the FCT Minister has taken it upon himself to address the outstanding salary payments owed to the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), to ensure that Area Council operations are fully restored.
Speaking to the press, NANS President Olushola Ladoja confirmed the outcome of the meeting. “During our discussions, the NUT proposed receiving 70% of their arrears, which the Minister confirmed could be covered from Area Council IGR. He immediately instructed the Chairmen to allocate this revenue and pleaded with the teachers to suspend the strike,” Ladoja explained.
He also acknowledged the Minister’s proactive approach, despite potential concerns regarding Area Council autonomy. “The inclusion of NANS in the resolution committee is a sign of transparency and accountability,” he added.
Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of the Area Council Chairmen, affirmed that the decision to allocate 10% of each council’s IGR over the next six months to settle the salary debt was not easy but necessary. “It’s a painful but patriotic step,” he said, expressing hope that schools will reopen promptly. “We’re optimistic that the union will suspend the strike, and our children will return to school as early as tomorrow.”
However, NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafa, maintained that the union must first consult with its internal organs, including the State Trustees, Standing Committee, and State Wing Executive Council, before reaching a final decision on calling off the industrial action.
All six FCT Area Council Chairmen were present at the meeting, reinforcing the shared commitment to resolving the crisis and restoring normalcy to the education sector in the territory.
