Teachers in government-owned primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have embarked on an indefinite strike action, suspending normal classroom activities.

The strike is taking place after the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to the six area councils in the city.

Pupils were seen in the early hours of today, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, returning from school with long faces after their teachers asked them to return home as there would be no learning of any form taking place at the school following the strike.

Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Kubwa, Ameh Baba confirmed that the strike was planned and approved by the union.

According to him, the teachers are striking to demand that the six area councils pay 60% of their overdue minimum wage arrears.

Ameh condemned the area councils for failing to implement a 40% peculiar allowance for teachers and salary increases of 25% and 35%.

The NUT Chair emphasized the importance of primary education for children’s development and urged that teachers be treated with care.

“This strike we started today is just the beginning. If the government does not respond after about 7 days, we are going to picket the area council’s secretariats.”