The FCT LEA Teachers’ Forum has issued a stern warning to the relevant authorities, expressing their utmost frustration and disappointment at the non-implementation of the New National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the non-payment of February salaries.
According to Abdulsalam Haruna, Coordinator of the FCT LEA Teachers’ Forum, “We have been left with no option but to fight for our survival in any way possible.” The forum has passed a vote of no confidence on the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), considering them accomplices to the Area Council Chairmen, the UBEB Chairman, the FCT Minister, and others involved in the maltreatment of primary school teachers in FCT under LEA.
The teachers are adamant that they will not accept payment of February salaries without the implementation of the 70k NMW. “Any attempt to do so will force us, as primary school teachers, to declare an indefinite protest and occupation of the six Area Council Secretariats in FCT including the National Assembly until our plight is addressed,” Haruna warned.
This development comes after a series of disputes between the teachers and the authorities. In January 2024, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, intervened in a strike by primary school teachers, promising to settle part of the minimum wage arrears owed to them. However, the issues have not been fully resolved, leading to the current impasse.