Public primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed disappointment over claims that the N4.1 billion earmarked by the FCT Administration for the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage has been misappropriated by Area Council Chairmen. According to the teachers, the funds were allegedly redirected towards what they described as a “signature allowance,” leaving them without the expected wage increase.
The funds, meant to address long-overdue salary adjustments and arrears, were reportedly misappropriated as “signature allowances” for council officials, leaving teachers unpaid and sparking outrage across the education sector. Enemakwu Ameh, Treasurer of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Chapter, made the startling revelation during an interview on Arise TV’s morning programme.
“The situation of primary education in the FCT is unbelievable,” Ameh declared. While every other worker enjoys the new minimum wage, teachers in primary schools in the FCT have not, despite a 4.1-billion-naira allocation by the FCT Minister to Area Council Chairmen.” The N70,000 national minimum wage, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2024, was intended to improve the welfare of workers, including teachers, across Nigeria.
In the FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike approved the new wage, with payments expected to commence in November 2024. However, according to Ameh and other union leaders, the Area Council Chairmen have failed to disburse these funds to teachers, particularly those under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). While every other worker enjoys the new minimum wage, teachers in primary schools in the FCT have not, despite a 4.1 billion naira allocation by the FCT Minister to Area Council Chairmen. Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafa, NUT FCT Chairman, echoed Ameh’s sentiments, accusing the chairmen of undermining the FCT Administration’s efforts.
“The N4.1 billion released by the Minister for teachers and nurses has gone under the bridge,” Shafa stated during a recent protest. He alleged that the chairmen claimed the funds were redirected for “projects” or “ecological funds,” leaving teachers without their rightful entitlements, including the N40,000 specific allowance and an N35,000 wage award that had been outstanding for over a year. The diversion has triggered widespread unrest, with teachers embarking on multiple strikes since December 2024, disrupting academic activities and sending pupils home during critical examination periods.
On April 24, 2025, hundreds of teachers, alongside nurses from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), protested at the FCT Minister’s Office in Garki, Abuja, demanding accountability. The N4.1 billion released by the Minister for teachers and nurses has gone under the bridge. Placards reading “Implement N70,000 minimum wage with arrears now” and “Pay our 40% peculiar allowance” underscored their frustration.
Jama Medan, Chairman of the NANNM FCT Chapter, also accused the Area Council Chairmen of withholding the funds for personal gain, noting that the closure of over 270 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) due to unpaid allowances has endangered public health. “Women and children are dying because health facilities have been locked down,” Medan lamented.
The NUT and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have called for urgent intervention from the National Assembly and anti-corruption agencies, such as the EFCC and ICPC, to probe the alleged misappropriation. “We are urging the authorities to investigate these chairmen and ensure justice for teachers and workers,” Shafa said.
Women and children are dying because health facilities have been locked down. In response, Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, assured protesters that their concerns would be addressed, stating that the FCT Administration remains committed to resolving the issue. Earlier this year, Minister Wike approved N7 billion to clear 25% of teachers’ outstanding arrears, with Area Councils tasked to cover 60% and the FCT Administration covering 40%. However, the failure of council chairmen to comply has deepened the crisis.
We are urging the authorities to investigate these chairmen and ensure justice for teachers and workers. As the strike lingers, parents and students bear the brunt, with primary education in the FCT coming to a halt. The NUT has warned of further actions, including picketing Area Council secretariats if their demands are not met. For now, FCT teachers remain steadfast, demanding transparency and justice for the N4.1 billion diverted from their intended use to secure their livelihoods.