FCT Teachers Demand Settlement Of Arrears, Urge Action On Transport And Labour Crisis – The News Chronicle

Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have appealed to Minister Nyesom Wike for the settlement of outstanding entitlements and improvements to the city’s transport system amidst rising labor tensions. The FCT LEA Teachers Forum, led by Abdulsalam Haruna, reminded the minister of a previous three-month strike over unpaid rights from area council chairmen. While the N70,000 national minimum wage has been partially paid, three area councils still owe arrears.

Beyond the minimum wage, teachers are seeking the implementation of a 40 percent peculiar allowance, 25 and 35 percent salary increases with arrears, a N35,000 wage award, and promotion arrears dating back to 2014. Promotions have been stalled since 2023, and annual salary increments have also been halted. Concerns were also raised about underemployed teachers and the lack of health insurance for those under the Local Education Authority.

Furthermore, the teachers urged the minister to address the non-operational Kugbo bus terminal to alleviate traffic congestion and called for dialogue to resolve ongoing labor disputes, including the prolonged JOHESU strike. They also highlighted environmental concerns, such as refuse accumulation in Karu and Nyanya-Karshi road, and commended the minister’s infrastructure development efforts while seeking continued support for a better Abuja.

(Source：The News Chronicle)