Teachers and healthcare workers across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have intensified their strike over unpaid salary arrears and the non-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage.
The industrial action, which began in January 2024, has led to the closure of public primary schools and over 270 primary healthcare centres, leaving thousands of pupils out of school and rural communities without essential health services.
The crisis escalated after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike accused area council chairmen of diverting N4.1 billion allocated to settle the workers’ entitlements.
Wike disclosed that despite his approval of the funds, the chairmen failed to pay the teachers and claimed the money was meant for ecological projects.
He summoned the council leaders for a meeting and appealed to the striking workers to allow time for the issues to be resolved.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) have vowed to continue the strike until all arrears are paid.
They allege that the council chairmen have consistently reneged on agreements to implement the minimum wage and settle outstanding salaries, some dating back to 2019.
Parents across the FCT have expressed frustration over the prolonged strike, urging the government and unions to resolve the issue and prevent further disruption to their children’s education and access to healthcare.
Efforts to mediate the dispute have reached the National Assembly, where the joint Senate and House committees on FCT area councils have summoned the council chairmen, treasurers, and union leaders to present documents related to the payment of salaries and arrears.
As the impasse continues, the future of public education and healthcare services in the FCT remains uncertain.
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