FCT strike a national embarrassment; pupils and workers deserve better
The prolonged closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for over three months, and the disturbing lack of urgency among stakeholders to resolve the impasse, is nothing short of a national embarrassment. It represents a complete betrayal of the ideals of a progressive society and underscores the state’s disregard for the […]
Wike
The prolonged closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for over three months, and the disturbing lack of urgency among stakeholders to resolve the impasse, is nothing short of a national embarrassment. It represents a complete betrayal of the ideals of a progressive society and underscores the state’s disregard for the welfare of both pupils and workers.
That public schools in the capital of Africa’s most populous country can remain shut for such an extended period without any declaration of emergency is not just tragic; it is tantamount to robbing an entire generation of their right to learn, grow, and aspire.
Even more concerning is that the industrial action has craippled not only the education sector but also the provision of primary healthcare services across the territory. Primary healthcare centres have also remained locked, teachers are at home, and workers have abandoned the six area council Secretariats. The strikes, which began over non-payment of the national minimum wage and a 40 per cent peculiar allowance, have expanded to include other grievances, such as non-implementation of the 25 and 35 per cent salary increases and the N35,000 wage award, among others.
This marks the fourth time in six months that primary school teachers are downing tools. They went on strike twice in December 2023, again in February 2024, and resumed this current action in March. At the heart of their protest is the refusal of the six area council chairmen to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage, despite an agreement with the workers’ union.
This latest strike has already disrupted second-term examinations across the territory and a complete loss of the third-term period, prompting concern and frustration among parents. Many fear that their children’s drive for basic education is being steadily eroded by these persistent interruptions. Unfortunately, instead of swift intervention, political horse-trading has taken centre stage.
Last year, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike inaugurated a six-man committee led by the Minister of State, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud, to resolve the dispute. The committee recommended that the six area council chairmen continue to pay the 25-month arrears of the minimum wage as previously agreed, while issues relating to the peculiar allowance and outstanding payments would be handled by the FCT Minister.
Despite Wike reportedly paying 40 per cent of the arrears as agreed, the area councils have failed to honour their commitments. Their continued silence and inaction suggest a worrying level of disregard for workers’ rights and the future of the children affected.
It is for this reason that the planned intervention by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has threatened to shut down the territory from July 3, is commendable. This insensitivity has gone on for far too long.
NLC’s FCT chairman, Dr. Stephen Knabayi, said the decision to take action followed a seven-day ultimatum issued on June 13 to the FCT Administration to resolve the matter. The ultimatum, backed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the National Association of Community Health Practitioners, expired on June 20 without any progress.
Knabayi said the union held back action to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete his project commissioning in the FCT to mark his second anniversary in office. Now, with no resolution in sight, workers are preparing to act.
The question remains: why are the councils unable to prioritise workers’ welfare despite receiving significantly increased allocations following President Tinubu’s macroeconomic reforms? There is no evidence that these funds are being withheld, so what excuse do the council chairmen have?
The apparent indifference from federal authorities and the lawmakers representing the FCT has sparked legitimate concerns. Are these children being ignored simply because most of them come from low-income backgrounds?
There are allegations that some council chairmen are busy diverting funds toward preparations for the February 2026 FCT Area Council elections, rather than using them to clear outstanding staff entitlements. If these claims are true, they speak to a moral failure that demands urgent scrutiny.
Nigeria continues to grapple with an estimated 10 to 15 million out-of-school children. To allow those currently enrolled to be pushed out by systemic failure is a glaring indictment of our national priorities. The disruption of the school calendar and healthcare services must not be allowed to continue.
Although it has been repeatedly stated that primary school teachers and healthcare workers fall under the purview of area councils and not the FCT Administration, the inaction of the council chairmen has now made this a matter of national concern. All stakeholders, civil society groups, lawmakers, education advocates, and ordinary citizens, must raise their voices.
The FCT Minister and President Tinubu must act decisively. The area council chairmen must be compelled to fulfill their obligations. The children and workers of the FCT deserve far better.