The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch, on Monday, January 26, directed all primary and secondary school teachers in Abuja to join the ongoing strike by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The directive was issued in a communiqué jointly signed by the union’s state chairman, Abdullahi Shafas; state secretary, Margaret Jethro; and publicity secretary, Ibukun Adekeye, and released in Abuja.
According to the statement, the decision to down tools comes in response to a directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), instructing all its affiliate unions in the FCT to escalate their industrial action.
While the NUT initially had reservations about the organisational structure of the JUAC-led strike, the union stressed that the NLC’s intervention required a united front.
The communiqué read, “All teachers in FCT primary and secondary schools are to stay away from classrooms starting Monday, with teachers in the city centre and surrounding areas instructed to gather at the National Industrial Court (NIC) on Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja, by 7 am.”
The gathering is intended to show solidarity during the hearing of a court case filed against JUAC.
The union also reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating with authorities until all outstanding demands affecting teachers are addressed.
“In pursuit of justice and to demonstrate our collective resolve, we must stand together. A people united can never be defeated,” the communiqué added.
Members were urged to remain steadfast, with assurances that updates would be provided as the situation develops.
Reports indicate that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) began an indefinite strike on January 19 over unresolved welfare concerns.
JUAC members have been calling for urgent intervention to address welfare issues affecting staff morale and productivity.
The union’s president, Rifkatu Iortyer, said some of the issues raised include unpaid overhead allowances; unlawful restrictions and centralisation of salary preparation and payment; and non-payment of staff at the Abuja Environment Protection Board and Social Development Secretariat (AEPBSDS), who are tasked with enforcing laws and policies.
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