The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has intensified efforts to end the ongoing strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), signaling readiness to address key demands and restore normal academic activities across the territory.
At a meeting held on Thursday at his Life Camp residence in Abuja, Wike assured leaders of the FCT chapter of the union that their concerns would be addressed “within reason,” stressing the urgency of resolving the dispute due to its adverse impact on schoolchildren.
The minister reiterated that the responsibility for the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries and allowances lies with the six area councils, not the FCT Administration. He, however, expressed dissatisfaction that previous interventions had failed to produce a lasting solution.
“This is not the first time we are addressing this issue,” Wike said, recalling earlier measures, including the constitution of a committee and the temporary suspension of internally generated revenue (IGR) allocations to area councils to facilitate direct payment of teachers’ entitlements.
He noted that despite agreements reached in past engagements, it was “surprising” that the union proceeded with the industrial action.
Speaking after a closed-door session involving officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and union representatives, Chairman of the NUT FCT Wing, Mohammed Shafa, described the talks as productive.
Shafa commended the minister for ongoing reforms in the education sector, particularly in school renovation and restructuring, and expressed optimism that the strike could soon be suspended, pending further consultations within the union.
Top government officials present at the meeting included the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Chidi Amadi; the Head of the FCTA Civil Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan; and chairmen of the FCT area councils.
The union is expected to communicate its final decision after concluding internal deliberations.
