Wike Intervenes to Resolve FCT Teachers' Strike

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has taken steps to resolve the ongoing strike by teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by ordering the direct payment of their allowances. This decision comes amid rising concerns over the prolonged shutdown of public primary schools across the FCT.

Wike announced this during a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Abuja, aimed at finding immediate solutions to the disputes regarding unpaid salaries and benefits. He expressed dissatisfaction with how the issue has been handled, particularly noting procedural lapses and the exclusion of key stakeholders from discussions.

Wike revealed that he intercepted the internal revenue allocation meant for six area councils in the FCT to ensure teachers receive their outstanding obligations. Despite the agreement to resolve the crisis, the union has not called off the strike, which began last week, keeping public primary and secondary schools closed.

Abdullahi Shafa, the chairman of the NUT FCT wing, acknowledged the meeting's productivity but highlighted that key welfare issues affecting teachers remain unaddressed.