Primary school teachers and local government staff in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have resumed their suspended strike, demanding the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
The strike, led by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), began on Thursday, February 13, after a breakdown in negotiations with the area council chairmen.
Comrade Mohammed Shafa, Chairman of FCT NUT, expressed frustration over the situation, saying, “It is saddening to note that all six area council chairmen have failed to implement the new minimum wage as agreed. While all civil servants in the FCT have started receiving the ₦70,000 minimum wage, local government staff and primary school teachers have been left behind.”
The strike follows a previous agreement made in December 2024, which stipulated the wage increase should take effect by January 2025. However, the area council chairmen have yet to honor the commitment.
In addition to the ₦70,000 minimum wage, the unions are also calling for a 40% peculiar allowance, salary increments of 25% and 35%, and a 35% wage award.
Shafa added, “The joint union of the FCT NUT and the FCT NULGE has unanimously resolved that all primary school teachers and area council staff will remain on strike until their demands are met.”