The FCT Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commenced an indefinite strike, forcing public primary and secondary schools in Abuja to shut down and send students home. The industrial action, which began after a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) expired, stems from unresolved disputes over teachers' career advancement and welfare.
Union Rejects Government Response as 'Ambiguous'
In a communique signed by FCT NLC Chairman Comrade Knabayi S. Adalo, the union dismissed the government's response to its demands, describing it as “ambiguous, dismissive and totally unacceptable.” The strike follows the expiration of the ultimatum issued to the FCTA over the contentious promotion policy.
At the heart of the dispute is the FCTA's decision to condition teacher promotions on available vacancies. The union strongly opposes this 'vacancy clause,' arguing that teachers are recruited specifically to teach and should be promoted as and when due. “Teachers are not core civil servants nor pool staff and cannot be subjected to vacancy-based promotion meant for pool officers,” Adalo declared.
Demands: Scrap Vacancy Clause, Hold Exams, Reverse Demotions
Beyond scrapping the vacancy requirement, the union is demanding that teachers eligible for promotion in 2025 be allowed to sit for promotion exams alongside 2026 candidates. The NLC is also insisting on the reversal of recent demotions and redeployments of directors under the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers Act.
Warning that the strike will remain total, Adalo dismissed the government's handling of the crisis, noting that “there can be no peace without justice.” The shutdown has halted academic activities across public primary and secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, with students sent home until the dispute is resolved.
