Just In: FCT Teachers Suspend Strike After Wike Approves ₦5bn Monthly Package
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Classrooms in Nigeria’s capital are set to reopen after a week of silence, as striking teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) suspended their industrial action following a ₦5 billion monthly funding commitment by Minister Nyesom Wike.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT) announced the decision in a communiqué issued after an emergency State Wing Executive Council meeting on Sunday in Gwagwalada.
The union had downed tools on April 20 over unpaid entitlements and contentious promotion policies affecting primary school teachers.
Under the new agreement, the minister approved a monthly ₦5 billion package — ₦2 billion from FCT Internally Generated Revenue and ₦3 billion from Area Councils’ statutory allocation — to fast-track payment of a 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and clear outstanding arrears.
Union leaders said the intervention signalled “appreciable commitment” to resolving long-standing grievances.
On promotion disputes, Wike acknowledged gaps in oversight and promised urgent engagement with the FCT Civil Service Commission to address concerns, including the controversial “vacancy” requirement.
Teachers have been directed to resume classes from Monday, April 27, while the union warned it would reconsider its stance if agreements are not honoured.
The NUT also assured members that no participant in the strike would face victimisation.
The suspension brings relief to thousands of pupils and parents affected by the disruption, even as stakeholders caution that sustained implementation remains critical to preventing future shutdowns.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
