After more than three months of industrial action, primary school teachers under the Federal Capital Territory wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) have suspended their strike, with a directive to resume work on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Naijaonpoint reports that the decision followed the intervention of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who convened a crucial stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, July 3, to resolve the impasse.
In a communiqué dated July 4 and released to the press on Tuesday, the NUT leadership confirmed that Wike’s latest financial commitment offered a viable solution to temporarily halt the industrial action, which began on March 24, 2025.
Primary school teachers had downed tools over unpaid arrears and the failure of area councils to implement the new national minimum wage.
However, the FCT Minister last week directed that 10 per cent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the six Area Councils be diverted towards settling outstanding salaries. This amounts to a ₦16 billion bailout package.
According to the communique jointly signed by NUT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary, Margaret Jethro, and Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye, the decision to suspend the strike was made after a meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC).
“Having deliberated exhaustively on the aforementioned offers, including the positive disposition of the Honourable Minister for taking over the payment of the Primary School Teachers’ emoluments by the FCTA, the SWEC-In-Session resolved to suspend the strike action upon the release of the N16 billion and its payment into the teachers’ accounts,” the statement read.
The Union confirmed that the teachers had received five months’ salary arrears and that the implementation of the new minimum wage had commenced.
“Consequent upon the implementation of the new minimum wage and payment of five months’ arrears into the teachers’ accounts today, 8th July 2025, the SWEC hereby suspends the ongoing strike action and appeals to all primary school teachers in the FCT to return to the classrooms starting Wednesday, 9th July 2025,” the statement added.
However, the union stressed that it would continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that all remaining entitlements are fully settled.
The FCT NUT expressed appreciation to its members and other stakeholders for their support during the strike.
“The SWEC wishes to appreciate all members, especially the primary school teachers, for their unwavering support, solidarity, cooperation, and prayers while the strike lasted,” the union stated.
It also extended special thanks to traditional rulers in the FCT, civil society organisations, and the national leadership of the NUT and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for their interventions and solidarity.
Teachers are expected back in classrooms across the FCT beginning Wednesday as the government begins phased implementation of agreed financial commitments.