The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stepped up efforts to resolve the ongoing strike by public school teachers in Abuja, assuring that immediate steps are being taken to address their concerns.
Wike gave the assurance during a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), where he expressed commitment to resolving the lingering issues surrounding unpaid salaries and allowances.
He noted that several engagements had already been held to find a lasting solution to the crisis. The minister revealed that, in a bid to break the deadlock, the FCT Administration intervened directly in the funding process.
“I have presided over several meetings regarding the payment of teachers’ allowances and emoluments,” he said, adding that a committee had earlier been set up to harmonise outstanding entitlements. He further disclosed that funds from the Area Councils’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) were intercepted and redirected to ensure prompt payment of teachers’ dues.
According to him, the move was necessary to address delays and prevent further disruption to the education system. Wike, however, expressed surprise at the continuation of the strike despite ongoing interventions, stating: “I was surprised to learn… there are plans to go on strike. Such action undermines ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis.”
Emphasising the importance of education, he warned that prolonged industrial action could negatively affect students, noting that “continuous strikes will only negatively affect our children.”
While acknowledging the minister’s efforts, union leaders said discussions were productive but indicated that the strike would remain in place pending further deliberations on the government’s proposals.
The strike, which stems from unresolved welfare issues and delayed implementation of agreed entitlements, has disrupted academic activities across public schools in the Federal Capital Territory, leaving many students out of classrooms.
