Strike in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory Called Off Amid Salary Promises

Public primary schools in Abuja are set to reopen as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its strike, which began in March 2025. The decision followed the payment of five months' salary arrears and the implementation of the new minimum wage for teachers. The strike's suspension was announced after an emergency meeting in Abuja on July 8, 2025, where the union agreed to return to work on July 9, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• The strike, which began on March 24, 2025, was called off after the payment of five months' salary arrears and the implementation of the new minimum wage for teachers.
• The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) instructed all teachers to resume work on July 9, 2025, and continue with their legitimate duties.
• The union revealed plans to set up a special committee within two weeks to address outstanding arrears and develop a sustainable funding solution for teachers' salaries.
• The union's leadership expressed disappointment at the initial lack of action from education stakeholders but commended the Minister of FCT's efforts.
• The Minister of FCT, Nyesome Wike, offered a solution to review the strike action, which included the release of N16 billion to augment for the payment of the new minimum wage for June and 60% of the nine months' arrears.

Statistics:

• The strike began on March 24, 2025.
• Five months' salary arrears were paid.
• The new minimum wage for teachers was implemented.
• N16 billion was released to augment for the payment of the new minimum wage for June and 60% of the nine months' arrears.
• The special committee will be set up within two weeks to address outstanding arrears and develop a sustainable funding solution for teachers' salaries.

Sources:

• Communique issued by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) after an emergency meeting in Abuja on July 8, 2025.
• Statement by the Honourable Minister of FCT, Nyesome Wike, on the intervention and solution to the strike action.