Schools, hospitals and government offices across the Federal Capital Territory face an indefinite shutdown as the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) escalates its battle with the FCT Administration over the promotion and career progression of teachers.
The labour body began the strike on Wednesday after accusing the FCT Administration of ignoring key demands aimed at ending what it described as years of stagnation for teachers.
The immediate flashpoint is the requirement that teachers must wait for vacancies before they can secure promotion. The NLC says the policy has trapped qualified teachers on the same grade levels for years.
The FCT Council of the NLC said its decision followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the administration.
In resolutions signed by its Chairman, Knabayi Adalo, the council argued that teachers employed by the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and Secondary Education Board were recruited specifically to teach and should be promoted as and when due.
It rejected the application of a vacancy-based promotion system, arguing that the arrangement was designed for pool officers and should not be imposed on teachers.
The labour body is also demanding promotion examinations for teachers who became eligible in 2025, either before or alongside the 2026 candidates.
It further wants the withdrawal of redeployment and demotion letters issued to directors who benefited from the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers Act, 2022.
Another demand is the reinstatement of the dissolved management teams of the FCT UBEB and Secondary Education Board.
The NLC said its State Executive Council rejected the FCTA’s response to the ultimatum at a meeting on October 6.
The council described the response as unclear and unacceptable, saying it failed to address the vacancy requirement and the disputed redeployment of directors.
The labour body warned that it would not accept policies it believes are undermining the professional advancement and welfare of FCT teachers.