Teachers, LG Workers in FCT Shut Down Services Over Unpaid Minimum Wage
Their demand? The full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage promised by the government in December 2024.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) declared the strike on Thursday, citing the failure of area council chairmen to fulfill their agreement.
Government’s Broken Promises
According to NUT-FCT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Moh’d Shafa, and NULGE President, Comrade Ibrahim Abullahi Kabi, while other government workers in the FCT have started receiving the new wage, primary school teachers and local government employees remain sidelined.
“We have exhausted our patience. The council chairmen assured us in December that our new wage would be implemented, but months later, nothing has changed. We have no option but to down tools,” they stated.
Aside from the wage increase, the unions are also demanding:
✅ A 40% Peculiar Allowance
✅ Salary increments of 25% and 35%
✅ A ₦35,000 Wage Award
Schools Shut, Workers Left in Limbo
The strike has disrupted primary education across the FCT, with many schools shutting down.
In Bwari Area Council, teachers were seen sending pupils home, lamenting the poor treatment of Local Education Authority (LEA) teachers compared to their Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) counterparts.
“UBEB teachers get all their entitlements, while LEA teachers, who do most of the work, are ignored. It’s unfair!” said Mrs. Ene Igado, a primary school teacher.
She further criticized the government for allowing qualified teachers to earn less than ₦50,000 despite rising living costs.
What’s Next?
The unions have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met, urging all members to stand firm.
Do you support their strike? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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