The Nigeria Labour Congress, FCT Council, has initiated an indefinite strike over unresolved issues concerning the promotion and welfare of teachers in the Federal Capital Territory. This industrial action commenced on October 7, 2026, following a decision made at the State Executive Council meeting held at Labour House, Abuja. The strike affects both public and private sector workers.
The strike was declared after a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory expired without a satisfactory response. The NLC FCT Council Chairman, Knabayi Adalo, signed a statement directing workers to stay away from their duty posts until further notice. The union's demands include the removal of the vacancy precondition for teacher promotions and the reconsideration of eligible teachers for promotion examinations.
The NLC expressed dissatisfaction with the FCT Administration's response to their ultimatum, describing it as vague and inadequate. The union emphasized that teachers should not be subjected to a vacancy-based promotion system, unlike pool officers. According to the council, teachers were employed specifically for teaching and should be promoted when due.
The labour body accused the FCT Administration of attempting to maintain industrial harmony without addressing what it termed as injustice against teachers. The NLC stated that there can be no peace without justice and that the FCTA's attempt to sustain industrial harmony without addressing these issues is futile.
The strike has been declared total and indefinite, with all workers in the FCT directed to remain at home until the demands are addressed. The NLC appealed to residents, particularly parents, to bear with the workers during this period and urged civil society organizations and other Nigerians to prevail on the FCT Administration to address the issues.
The council warned that the action may escalate if the FCT Administration fails to address the concerns. The FCTA had not publicly reacted to the strike declaration as of the time of reporting. The strike has the potential to disrupt educational activities in the FCT.
The Nigeria Labour Congress reiterated its commitment to resolving the issues affecting teachers in the FCT. The union called on the general public, especially parents and residents, to support their cause and prevail on the FCT Administration to take necessary actions to prevent the collapse of the education sector.
Key points
- The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared an indefinite strike over promotion and welfare issues affecting teachers in the Federal Capital Territory.
- The strike, which commenced on October 7, 2026, affects both public and private sector workers in the FCT.
- The NLC is demanding the removal of the vacancy precondition for teacher promotions and the reconsideration of eligible teachers for promotion examinations.
