By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory wing of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended it’s one week and pledged to resume work.
Public primary schools in the territory had on Monday, April 20th, 2026 embarked on industrial action over non-payment of members arrears by chairmen of the Six Area Councils.
But the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike waded in by approving a N5 billion monthly funding framework to clear years of unpaid entitlements owed teachers.
The decision was taken at an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held at the Teachers’ House in Gwagwalada late Sunday, bringing to an end the industrial action.
In a communique signed by the NUT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, Secretary, Margaret F. Jethro, it directed all teachers to resume duties on Monday, April 27.
It showed that under the arrangement, ₦2 billion will be sourced from the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), while ₦3 billion will come from the 10 per cent statutory IGR allocation of the Area Councils.
The funds are expected to facilitate the immediate implementation of the 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and the gradual settlement of outstanding arrears.
In addition, the union secured a key policy concession with the removal of the controversial “vacancy” requirement that had hindered the promotion of qualified teachers.
The teachers had earlier faulted the 2024 promotion exercise by the FCT Civil Service Commission, arguing that the policy stalled career progression. Wike, according to union leaders, pledged to engage the commission to review the exercise and ensure deserving teachers are promoted without unnecessary restrictions.
The union, however, warned that the suspension of the strike is conditional, stressing that failure by authorities to implement the agreement would prompt a reassessment of its position.
“If, by omission or commission, the FCTA fails to abide by the agreement, the union will have no option but to review its position,” the communiqué stated.
It also confirmed a “no-victimisation” clause in the agreement, guaranteeing that no teacher would face sanctions for participating in the industrial action.
With the resolution, thousands of pupils and students across the six Area Councils are expected to return to classrooms after days of disruption.
The union urged teachers to recommit to their duties and work towards bridging the learning gaps caused by the strike, while reaffirming its commitment to the continued pursuit of improved welfare and standards in the education sector.
