The Nigeria Labour Congress, FCT Council, has declared an indefinite strike across the Federal Capital Territory, effective October 7, 2026. This decision was made at the State Executive Council meeting of the council held on Tuesday at Labour House, Abuja. The strike is over unresolved issues concerning the promotion and welfare of teachers in the FCT. The NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, which expired without a satisfactory response.
The NLC FCT Council Chairman, Knabayi S. Adalo, signed and released a statement directing workers in both public and private sectors to stay away from their duty posts until further notice. The union demanded the removal of the vacancy precondition for the promotion of FCT teachers and the reconsideration of eligible 2025 teachers to enable them to sit for their promotion examination. They also sought the withdrawal of redeployment and demotion letters issued to directors who benefited from the Harmonised Teachers Retirement Age Act, 2022.
According to the NLC, the FCT Administration's response to its ultimatum failed to address the core issues. The union stated that the FCTA's response was vague and did not address the vacancy clause and the unlawful demotion of directors. The NLC maintained that teachers in the FCT should not be subjected to the vacancy-based promotion system applicable to pool officers, as they were employed specifically to teach and should be promoted when due.
The labour body accused the FCT Administration of attempting to maintain industrial harmony without addressing what it described as injustice against teachers. The NLC asserted that there can be no peace without justice and that the FCTA's attempt to sustain industrial harmony without addressing injustice is mere wishful thinking. Consequently, the NLC directed all workers in the FCT to remain at home until its demands were addressed.
The council appealed to residents, particularly parents, to bear with the workers during the industrial action, while urging civil society organisations and other Nigerians to prevail on the FCT Administration to address the issues. The NLC insisted that the action would not be limited to a warning strike, but would be total and indefinite. The strike is expected to have significant effects on the education sector and other public services in the FCT.
The FCTA had yet to publicly react to the strike declaration as of press time. The NLC's decision to embark on an indefinite strike highlights the deepening crisis in the education sector in the FCT. The strike may lead to a prolonged disruption of educational activities in the territory, affecting students, teachers, and parents alike.
The Nigeria Labour Congress's indefinite strike in the FCT has raised concerns about the welfare and promotion of teachers in the territory. The strike's impact on the education sector and the economy as a whole remains to be seen. The FCT Administration's response to the strike and the NLC's demands will be crucial in resolving the crisis.
Key points
- The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared an indefinite strike in the FCT over unresolved issues on teachers' promotion and welfare.
- The strike, effective October 7, 2026, affects workers in both public and private sectors in the FCT.
- The NLC demands the removal of the vacancy precondition for teacher promotion and the withdrawal of redeployment and demotion letters issued to directors.
