FCT Teachers’ Crisis: Wike Orders Direct Payment of Allowances to Avert Strike Fallout

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stepped into the ongoing teachers’ crisis in Abuja, ordering the direct payment of allowances and outstanding entitlements in a bid to resolve the dispute.

Wike announced the intervention after a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Abuja, warning that prolonged industrial action could have serious consequences for schoolchildren.

Expressing concern over how the crisis has been handled, the minister noted that key stakeholders, particularly area council chairmen, were excluded from earlier engagements.

“It would not be proper to hold such a crucial meeting without those directly affected,” he said.

To break the deadlock, Wike disclosed that he had directed the interception of Internally Generated Revenue allocations meant for the area councils, with instructions that the funds be paid directly to settle teachers’ entitlements.

He emphasised that while primary school teachers’ salaries and allowances are the statutory responsibility of area councils, the FCT Administration had intervened to prevent disruption in the education sector.

“I was surprised to learn that despite our agreement, there are plans to go on strike. Such action undermines ongoing efforts,” he added.

Earlier, FCT NUT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, described the meeting as productive, acknowledging efforts by the administration to improve school infrastructure and welfare.

However, he noted that critical issues including unpaid allowances, delayed promotions, and unfilled vacancies remain unresolved, warning that prolonged stagnation could affect productivity.

Shafa said the minister had assured the union of immediate action, admitting he was not previously fully briefed on the extent of the challenges.

Despite the intervention, the union clarified that the ongoing strike has not been suspended, with its leadership expected to review the outcome of the meeting before taking a final decision.

The strike, declared last Friday, followed unresolved demands including the implementation of 25 and 35 per cent salary increases, as well as a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for teachers.

Elijah Adeyemi