The three-month strike by primary school teachers in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory may soon end, following FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s intervention, which included a financial concession and plans for long-term resolution.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, may soon suspend its three-month strike after the intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The minister’s Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, revealed on Tuesday that an agreement was reached at a closed-door meeting involving area council chairmen, NUT leaders, and FCT Administration representatives.
Part of the resolution includes withholding six months’ worth of 10% Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from area councils to pay 70% of outstanding teacher wages.
“This is a laudable move towards addressing the fracas once and for all,” Amadi said.
A special committee was also constituted to resolve all outstanding issues within two weeks.
NUT Chairman Mohammed Shafa said the union’s final decision would be made by its State Executive Council.
The strike began in March over unpaid minimum wage arrears, salary increases, and allowances.
Abubakar Abdullahi, representing the council chairmen, urged the NUT to consider the children and call off the strike before Friday.