Amid growing concerns over prolonged disruption in public primary schools across Nigeria’s capital, the National Assembly has intervened in the ongoing strike by public primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The industrial action, spearheaded by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), was triggered by the non-implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage and other outstanding entitlements. Area council chairmen in the FCT have been accused of failing to honour their commitments to the teachers, despite the release of over N4.1 billion by the FCT Administration for wage payments and welfare packages.
The strike, which began in December 2024 with intermittent boycotts, has escalated since March 2025, leaving thousands of pupils without access to education. The situation reached a boiling point last week when protesting teachers and local government workers blocked the entrance to the office of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, demanding immediate action.
In response, Wike confirmed that the funds meant to address the teachers’ demands had been released but blamed the area council chairmen for failing to make disbursements. The minister subsequently summoned them for an emergency meeting.
In a new development, FCT Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Stephen Knabayi, confirmed that representatives of the teachers’ union met with the leadership of the National Assembly on Tuesday. He said the meeting was part of an ongoing effort by lawmakers to investigate the root of the impasse and identify a sustainable solution.
“We were at the National Assembly yesterday. The council chairmen have been directed to submit records of their allocations and expenses by Friday,” Knabayi told reporters. “A committee has been constituted to verify these records and determine why they are claiming a lack of funds despite the Treasury Department’s confirmation of the N4.1 billion release.”
He further disclosed that the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Treasury Department has also been invited to provide clarity on the matter. The intervention aims to ensure transparency in the management of public funds and the fulfillment of workers’ rights.
Despite the legislative intervention, the striking teachers remain skeptical. Knabayi expressed doubt over the sincerity of the authorities and hinted at the possibility of renewed protests in the coming days.
“For us, this is a delay tactic. We are not suspending the strike until there are concrete results. By tomorrow, we’ll decide whether to return to the streets on Monday or Tuesday,” he said.
The prolonged strike has sparked concerns from parents and education advocates, who warn of long-term damage to basic education in the FCT. “We can’t afford to keep our children out of school indefinitely. The government must act swiftly,” said Fatima Yusuf, a parent in Gwagwalada.
As tension continues to mount, stakeholders are urging all parties to prioritise the interest of the pupils and resolve the crisis through dialogue, transparency, and prompt action.