By Philomina Attah
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, has directed all primary and
secondary school teachers in the territory to join the ongoing strike action initiated
by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The strike action is expected to begin on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
This is contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the union’s State Chairman,
Abdullahi Shafas; State Secretary, Margaret Jethro; and Publicity Secretary, Ibukun
Adekeye, issued to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.
According to the communiqué, the decision to down tools follows a directive from
the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), instructing all affiliate unions within the FCT
to escalate the industrial action.
While the NUT noted initial reservations regarding the organisational approach of
the JUAC-led strike, the union emphasised that the intervention of the NLC
necessitated a unified front.
‘’All teachers in FCT primary and secondary schools are to stay away from
classrooms starting Monday.
“Teachers within the city centre and surrounding areas are directed to converge at
the National Industrial Court (NIC) on Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja by 7a.m on
Monday to show solidarity during the hearing of a court case instituted against
JUAC,” it says.
According to the communiqué, the union reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating
with authorities until all outstanding demands specifically affecting teachers are
met.
”In pursuit of justice and to demonstrate our collective resolve, we must stand
together. A people united can never be defeated,” the communiqué said.
The union urged its members to remain steadfast while promising to provide
updates as the situation unfolds.
Recall that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Jan. 19 began
an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare concerns.
The workers under JUAC have been appealing for urgent action to resolve the
welfare issues affecting their morale and productivity.
The president of the union, Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer, had earlier told journalists that
some of the concerns raised included non-remittance of pension and National
Housing Fund deductions and non payments of overheads.
Others are unlawful restriction and centralisation of salary preparation and
payment, and non-payment of officers of the Abuja Environment Protection Board
and Social Development Secretariat engaged to enforce laws and policies
