Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The Nigeria Labour Congress, Federal Capital Territory Council, has commenced an indefinite strike across the FCT over unresolved concerns surrounding the promotion and welfare of teachers.

The industrial action began on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following a decision reached at the council’s State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at Labour House, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the FCT NLC Chairman, Knabayi S. Adalo, the union directed workers in both the public and private sectors to withdraw their services and remain at home until further notice.

The decision followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Minister over demands relating to the conditions of teachers in the territory.

Among the union’s demands is the removal of the vacancy requirement for the promotion of FCT teachers. The NLC is also seeking an opportunity for eligible teachers due for promotion in 2025 to sit for their promotion examinations.

The union further demanded the withdrawal of redeployment and demotion letters issued to directors who benefited from the Harmonised Teachers Retirement Age Act, 2022.

The NLC said the response from the FCT Administration failed to resolve the issues raised in its ultimatum, describing it as vague and inadequate.

The council argued that teachers should not be subjected to a vacancy-based promotion system applicable to pool officers, stressing that they were employed specifically for teaching duties and should be promoted when due.

The union accused the FCT Administration of seeking industrial peace without addressing what it described as injustice against teachers.

It consequently directed all workers in the territory, including those in the private sector, to stay away from their duty posts from October 7 until further notice.

The NLC appealed to residents, particularly parents, to bear with workers during the strike and urged civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intervene in the dispute.

The council warned that the action was not a warning strike, insisting that it would remain in force indefinitely until its demands were addressed.

The FCT Administration had not publicly responded to the strike declaration as of the time of filing this report.