Territory (FCT) Wing, has formally directed all primary and secondary school teachers within Abuja to join the ongoing industrial action declared by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), marking a significant escalation in the labour dispute between workers and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The directive, which takes effect from Monday, January 26, 2026, effectively shuts down public primary and secondary schools across the territory, further disrupting academic activities in the nation’s capital.
NUT FCT strike directive aligns with NLC position
In a communiqué issued in Abuja and jointly signed by the NUT State Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary, Margaret Jethro, and Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye, the union explained that the decision followed an instruction from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) mandating all affiliate unions in the FCT to intensify the ongoing strike.
Although the teachers’ union admitted it initially had concerns about the organisational structure of the JUAC-led strike, it said the intervention of the NLC made it imperative for all labour unions to act in unison.
According to the communiqué, teachers across the FCT have been directed to stay away from classrooms indefinitely, pending further notice, in solidarity with other public sector workers protesting unresolved welfare issues.
“All teachers in FCT primary and secondary schools are to down tools starting Monday. Teachers within the city centre and adjoining areas are to converge at the National Industrial Court on Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja, by 7 a.m.,” the statement read.
The union said the planned convergence is to demonstrate solidarity during the hearing of a court case instituted against the JUAC as part of efforts to challenge the ongoing industrial action.
Schools shut as teachers heed NUT FCT strike directive
With the issuance of the NUT FCT strike directive, thousands of pupils and students in public schools across Abuja are expected to remain at home, adding to concerns over learning disruptions, especially as many schools are still recovering from previous industrial actions.
Education stakeholders have warned that repeated strikes continue to undermine confidence in public education, forcing parents who can afford it to turn to private schools, while leaving children from low-income households most affected.
However, the union insists that the decision to strike was unavoidable, stressing that teachers themselves are victims of systemic neglect and poor welfare conditions.
Welfare grievances driving the strike action
The ongoing industrial action by FCT workers began on January 19, 2026, following the failure of the FCTA to resolve long-standing welfare concerns affecting workers across various departments and agencies.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, unions under the JUAC have repeatedly raised issues bordering on poor remuneration, unlawful salary practices, and alleged violations of workers’ rights.
The President of the union, Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer, outlined several unresolved grievances, including the non-remittance of pension deductions, failure to remit National Housing Fund contributions, unpaid overheads, and what she described as the unlawful centralisation of salary preparation and payment.
She also highlighted the non-payment of allowances and salaries owed to officers of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board and the Social Development Secretariat, many of whom are involved in enforcing government laws and policies within the FCT.
“These issues have persisted for too long and have continued to affect workers’ morale, productivity, and overall welfare,” Iortyer said.
Teachers pledge unity until demands are met
Reaffirming its commitment to the struggle, the NUT FCT leadership said it would continue to engage with relevant authorities until all issues directly affecting teachers are adequately addressed.
“In pursuit of justice and fairness, we must stand together. A people united can never be defeated,” the union stated, urging members to remain resolute and disciplined throughout the duration of the strike.
The union also promised to keep teachers informed of any developments, including negotiations with government officials or court decisions that may impact the strike.
Broader implications for Abuja residents
The expansion of the strike to include teachers has broader implications for residents of the Federal Capital Territory, particularly working parents who rely on public schools for their children’s education.
Analysts warn that unless urgent steps are taken by the FCTA to engage labour leaders and address the core demands, the strike could persist for weeks, deepening social and economic disruptions in the capital.
As of Monday morning, there was no official response from the FCTA addressing the teachers’ directive, raising uncertainty over how quickly the standoff will be resolved.
For now, the NUT FCT strike directive stands as the clearest signal yet that organised labour in Abuja is prepared to sustain pressure until concrete commitments are made to improve workers’ welfare.
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