By Cross Stone
Public primary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have remained shut for 86 days as teachers continue their indefinite strike over unpaid wages and entitlements.
The industrial action, which began on March 24, 2025, is rooted in the failure of the six Area Council chairmen to implement a tripartite agreement signed in December 2024. The agreement outlined the payment of a ₦70,000 minimum wage and settlement of salary arrears owed to teachers.
Despite multiple interventions and the endorsement of the agreement by the FCT Administration, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Area Councils have failed to fulfill their obligations under the pact.
Frustrated by the prolonged inaction, the FCT chapter of the NLC has now issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Minister, threatening mass mobilisation and picketing if the crisis remains unresolved.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recently suggested the possibility of bypassing the Area Councils to directly pay the teachers. However, no concrete action has followed the statement.
Meanwhile, thousands of pupils remain out of school with no resolution in sight, as the strike approaches its third month.
