The National Assembly has intervened in the ongoing strike by public primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory, who are demanding a N70,000 minimum wage and other overdue entitlements.
The strike, led by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, began in December 2024 and escalated in March 2025, crippling academic activities across the FCT.
Last week, teachers and local government workers protested in Abuja, blocking access to the FCT Minister’s office. In response, Minister Nyesom Wike announced the release of over N4 billion to address the workers’ demands and blamed area council chairmen for not deploying the funds. He has summoned them for an emergency meeting.
Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the FCT Nigeria Labour Congress, said union leaders met with National Assembly members on Tuesday. Lawmakers have now asked council chairmen to submit detailed records of allocations and expenditures by Friday.
“They want to understand the financial discrepancies before deciding on the next steps,” Knabayi said.
The Permanent Secretary of the FCTA Treasury Department has also been invited to clarify the situation. While the Treasury confirmed releasing N4.1 billion, council chairmen claim the funds haven’t reached them.
A committee has been set up to investigate and recommend solutions.
Despite the intervention, the strike continues. “We see this as another delay tactic,” Knabayi said, noting that a decision on further protests is imminent.
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