FCT Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Teachers’ Grievances
Workers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commenced an indefinite strike following a directive by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over unresolved disputes with the FCT Administration.
The industrial action began on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration over grievances concerning teachers and education officers.
As part of the strike, the NLC FCT Council directed workers in schools, hospitals, government offices and other establishments to withdraw their services until the union’s demands are addressed.
The dispute is largely centred on the promotion of teachers in the FCT. The labour union is opposed to the use of a vacancy requirement as a condition for teachers to advance in their careers.
According to the NLC, the policy has contributed to prolonged career stagnation among teachers who have met the necessary requirements for promotion but are unable to advance because of unavailable vacancies.
The union is also demanding that teachers who were eligible for the 2025 promotion exercise but could not participate be allowed to take the examination alongside the 2026 candidates.
Another major issue is the redeployment and demotion of senior directors in education agencies. The NLC wants the affected officials, who it says are covered by the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers Act, 2022, to have the relevant directives withdrawn.
The labour body has further called for changes involving the management of the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB) and the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB).
The FCT Administration had earlier communicated that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, had directed a stay of action on some of the issues and ordered the rescheduling of the 2025 promotion examination for affected education officers.
However, the NLC rejected the administration’s response, describing it as inadequate and arguing that it failed to resolve the fundamental issues behind the dispute.
NLC FCT Council Chairman, Knabayi Adalo, said the union could no longer accept policies it considers detrimental to the career progression and welfare of teachers.
The council has instructed its affiliate unions across the territory to ensure compliance with the strike and announced the establishment of enforcement committees to monitor implementation.
The industrial action is expected to disrupt activities across schools, healthcare facilities, government offices and other public establishments in the nation’s capital until an agreement is reached between organised labour and the FCT Administration.
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