Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has moved to end the teachers’ strike that has shut down schools across Abuja, ordering direct payment of allowances and promising swift action.
Wike announced the directive after a closed‑door meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, where he criticized lapses in earlier negotiations and warned that prolonged strikes would harm children’s education.
The minister said he had intercepted revenue allocations from FCT area councils to ensure teachers receive their entitlements directly. “Education is vital, and continuous strikes will only negatively affect our children,” Wike said.
Union leaders described the meeting as productive but said the strike remains in place until members review the outcome. The teachers began their action on April 20 over unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and unfilled vacancies.
The dispute mirrors similar crises in Nigeria’s education sector, including past strikes by university lecturers and health workers, underscoring persistent challenges in funding and welfare.
