NLC declares indefinite strike in FCT over teachers’ promotion, welfare

The Nigeria Labour Congress, FCT Council, has initiated an indefinite strike throughout the Federal Capital Territory in response to unresolved matters pertaining to teacher promotions and welfare provisions.

The strike commenced on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, pursuant to a resolution adopted during the State Executive Council meeting convened on Tuesday at Labour House, Abuja.

Through a statement issued by NLC FCT Council Chairman Knabayi S. Adalo, the union instructed workers across both public and private sector organizations to refrain from reporting to their workplaces until further notification.

This action followed the expiration of a seven-day deadline presented to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory regarding the union's grievances concerning FCT teachers.

The NLC had submitted demands including the elimination of the vacancy prerequisite for FCT teacher advancement, reassessment of qualified 2025 teachers to permit participation in promotion examinations, and cancellation of redeployment and demotion notices issued to directors who were beneficiaries of the Harmonised Teachers Retirement Age Act, 2022.

The union asserted that the FCT Administration's response to its deadline proved inadequate in addressing the fundamental concerns.

"The FCTA's response to our ultimatum lacked clarity and did not resolve the principal matter of the vacancy clause, including the improper demotion of directors," the statement noted.

The NLC emphasized that FCT teachers ought not be subjected to the vacancy-contingent promotion framework designed for pool officers.

"We must emphasize: Teachers are neither core civil servants nor pool personnel and should not be bound by vacancy-based promotion systems intended for pool officers," it stated.

According to the council, teachers were recruited specifically for instructional duties and warrant promotion upon becoming eligible.

The labour body also accused the FCT Administration of attempting to maintain industrial harmony without addressing what it described as injustice against teachers.

“The FCTA’s attempt to sustain industrial harmony without addressing injustice is mere wishful thinking. There can be no peace without justice,” it stated.

Consequently, the NLC directed all workers in the FCT to remain at home until its demands were addressed.

“Consequently, all workers in the FCT – public and private – are directed to stay away from their duty posts and stay at home from 7th October, 2026, until further notice,” the statement read.

The council appealed to residents, particularly parents, to bear with the workers during the industrial action, while urging civil society organisations and other Nigerians to prevail on the FCT Administration to address the issues.

It said, “We call on the general public, especially parents and residents of the FCT, to bear with us. We also call on civil society and well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the FCTA to do the right thing to save the education sector in the FCT from total collapse.”

The council insisted that the action would not be limited to a warning strike.

“The strike will be total and indefinite,” it declared.

The FCTA had yet to publicly react to the strike declaration as of press time