Striking primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have insisted they will not return to the classroom until their outstanding salaries and entitlements are fully paid.
The teachers, who have been on strike since March 2025, made their position known after a meeting with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, held at his official residence.
Despite several interventions, all attempts to resolve the prolonged strike have so far failed.
Speaking to journalists after the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Chairman of the FCT NUT, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafas, said the union had unanimously resolved that teachers would only resume work when the backlog of arrears and other financial entitlements are settled.
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According to Shafas, “We have made our position clear to the Honourable Minister. Until the outstanding arrears and entitlements are paid, our members will not return to the classroom.”
He noted that the teachers’ grievances stem from the non-implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage, as well as unpaid arrears and other benefits due to them.
The union also lamented that despite signing three separate agreements with the area council chairmen to resolve the issues, the council leaders have repeatedly reneged on their commitments.