TheCable

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will pay 40 percent, while council chairmen will pay 60 percent of the money owed striking primary school teachers.

BACKGROUND

Primary school teachers in the six area councils of the FCT embarked on an indefinite strike last year.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abuja chapter, directed its members in the area councils to embark on a strike from September 11, 2023, over non-payment of 25 months salary arrears. 

On October 2, NUT suspended the strike for six weeks to allow for the resolution of the issues, following the intervention of the minister.

On January 15, the union resumed the strike, citing “non-implementation” of the resolutions.

During a meeting with FCT council chairmen and traditional rulers on Wednesday, Wike said the payment will be done in installments.

“I met with NUT, and the area council chairmen. So, what we have done; the debt owed by the area councils, FCTA has come in to take away 40 percent of it, while the councils will settle the remaining 60 percent,” Wike said.

“This will be done monthly, and they have agreed.

“The same with NULGE, FCTA has taken 40 percent, let them (area councils) pay the remaining 60 percent.

“We will be paying every month and in the next three to four months, we will finish settling the debt.”

When contacted, Margaret Jethro, the NUT state secretary, confirmed the development to NAN, adding that Wike met with the leadership of the union last week.

Jethro added that the NUT leadership would meet with the teachers to present the offer, before deciding on whether to suspend the strike or not.