By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Capital Territory Local Education Authority Teachers’ Forum has urged authorities to urgently address persistent delays in the payment of teachers’ outstanding entitlements, warning that the situation is causing hardship and discouragement across primary schools.
The concerns were raised in an open letter to FCT NUT chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, signed by Isaac Ityav. While the teachers acknowledged the union’s efforts in securing partial settlement of national minimum wage arrears, they questioned why progress remained slow and incomplete.
They asked why the full implementation of the 40 percent peculiar allowance, the N35,000 wage award, and the 25 and 35 percent salary increments had not been achieved, saying the benefits directly affect the welfare and dignity of teachers responsible for educating the country’s children.
The letter urged the NUT leadership to intensify advocacy and remove bureaucratic obstacles. “Let teachers see in you not just representatives, but relentless champions of their cause,” it read.
Teachers in the FCT recently resumed classes after a long strike that ended when five months’ arrears and the new N70,000 minimum wage were paid. A recent survey shows that LEA teachers in Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, and Gwagwalada have begun receiving June salaries reflecting the updated wage.
The teachers are still demanding full payment of all outstanding allowances, including the 25 and 35 percent increases, the 40 percent peculiar allowance, and the N35,000 wage award.
