Public primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set to return to their classrooms on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, following the suspension of a nearly four-month strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
The strike was initiated due to the non-payment of the new minimum wage and outstanding salary arrears spanning five months.
The decision to suspend the strike came after an emergency meeting of the NUT’s State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) on Tuesday night, where it was confirmed that teachers had received payment alerts corresponding to the agreed financial obligations.
This development was made possible by the release of ₦16 billion from the six area councils, representing six months of their 10 percent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), facilitated by FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike.
In a joint communiqué signed by NUT Chairman Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary Ibukun Adekeye, the union stated, “The SWEC-In-Session has resolved to suspend the strike action following the release of the ₦16 billion and its subsequent payment to teachers’ accounts.”
The communiqué continued, “With the implementation of the New Minimum Wage and the payment of five months’ arrears into teachers’ accounts on July 8, 2025, the SWEC hereby suspends the ongoing strike.”
The NUT has directed all primary school teachers to return to work without delay. “All primary school teachers are to resume their duties while the union continues to advocate for the settlement of remaining entitlements,” the statement indicated.
While criticising the insensitivity and lack of commitment from certain education stakeholders in the FCT, the NUT praised Barr Wike’s intervention, which reportedly urged the area council chairmen to release the necessary funds.
“The SWEC noted that the Honourable Minister reaffirmed that the responsibility for paying FCT primary school teachers lies with the Area Councils, albeit acknowledging their financial constraints.
“He facilitated the release of six months of 10 percent IGR, amounting to ₦16 billion, to cover the new minimum wage for June and 60 percent of nine months’ arrears,” the communiqué elaborated.
The union also welcomed the Minister’s suggestion to establish a special committee aimed at ‘harmonising all outstanding arrears’ and creating a sustainable payment framework for teachers’ salaries.
Expressing gratitude to its members for their steadfast support and cooperation, the NUT acknowledged the contributions of traditional leaders, civil society groups, and concerned citizens during the industrial action.
The strike, which commenced on March 24, 2025, was prompted by the failure to implement a 2022 agreement that included promotion arrears, wage awards, and salary adjustments.
With this partial resolution, teachers are expected to return to schools on Wednesday as negotiations for the remaining payments continue.