Author: Gist Correspondent

Primary and secondary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been directed to join the ongoing industrial action as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, ordered a total shutdown of classrooms beginning Monday, January 26, 2026.

The directive was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the NUT FCT State Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary, Margaret Jethro, and Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye, and issued to journalists in Abuja on Monday.

According to the communiqué, the decision follows a directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) instructing all its affiliate unions in the FCT to escalate the strike action initiated by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).

While the NUT acknowledged earlier reservations over the structure and coordination of the JUAC-led strike, the union said the NLC’s intervention made it imperative for teachers to present a united front with other workers in the territory.

“All teachers in FCT primary and secondary schools are to stay away from classrooms starting Monday,” the communiqué stated.

It further directed teachers within the city centre and adjoining areas to converge at the National Industrial Court (NIC), Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja, by 7:00 a.m. on Monday in solidarity with JUAC during the hearing of a court case instituted against the committee.

The union said it remained committed to sustained engagement with authorities until all outstanding demands affecting teachers are fully addressed.

“In pursuit of justice and to demonstrate our collective resolve, we must stand together. A people united can never be defeated,” the communiqué added.

NUT leaders urged members to remain steadfast and peaceful while assuring them that regular updates would be provided as discussions and legal processes continue.

The development comes amid an indefinite strike commenced by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers on January 19 over unresolved welfare issues.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), workers under JUAC have been demanding urgent intervention on issues affecting morale and productivity, including non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, non-payment of overheads, and salary-related concerns.

Other grievances include the alleged unlawful centralisation of salary preparation and payment, as well as the non-payment of officers of the Abuja Environment Protection Board and the Social Development Secretariat engaged in enforcing laws and policies across the FCT.