Abuja Primary School Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Wage Disputes

Teachers in government-owned primary schools across Abuja have begun an indefinite strike over unresolved wage disputes, disrupting education and warning of further action if the government fails to address their demands.

Teachers in government-owned primary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have launched an indefinite strike, halting education for numerous pupils.

The strike follows a 14-day ultimatum from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Chapter, to the six area councils in the territory.

On Wednesday, pupils arriving at school were turned away, as teachers informed them to return home. Comrade Ameh Baba, NUT Chairman in Kubwa, confirmed the strike, citing unresolved wage issues as the cause.

“The strike is due to the councils’ failure to pay 60 percent of the outstanding minimum wage arrears,” Baba stated.

He also condemned the councils for not implementing a 40 percent peculiar allowance and neglecting agreed salary increases of 25 percent and 35 percent.

Baba emphasized the importance of primary education, declaring, “Primary education is the foundation of human learning and must be treated with utmost care and priority.”

The union issued a stern warning: “This strike is just the beginning. If the government does not respond within seven days, we will escalate by picketing the area councils’ secretariats.”

Baba also mentioned that secondary schools would soon be affected, with their teachers expected to join in solidarity.

Additionally, he raised concerns about incoming Junior Secondary School (JSS) students awaiting their results.

The indefinite strike reflects rising tensions between the teachers’ union and local authorities over wage and allowance disputes.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, POLITICS NIGERIA