NLC Rejects FCTA Response, Begins Indefinite Strike

The Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress has declared an indefinite strike over unresolved disputes involving the promotion and career progression of teachers in the territory.

The industrial action takes effect from Wednesday, October 7, following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

In a communique signed by the FCT NLC Chairman, Comrade Knabayi S. Adalo, the union rejected the administration’s response to its demands, describing it as “ambiguous, dismissive and totally unacceptable.”

At the centre of the dispute is the implementation of a “vacancy clause” which ties teachers’ promotions to the availability of vacant positions.

The NLC argued that teachers recruited by the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and the FCT Secondary Education Board should not be subjected to the same promotion conditions as core civil servants or pool officers.

According to the union, the policy has contributed to prolonged career stagnation and declining morale among teachers across the territory.

The labour body said the strike would continue until the FCTA addresses the outstanding issues and provides a satisfactory framework for teachers’ promotion and career progression.

The development raises the prospect of disruption across the FCT’s public education system as organised labour intensifies pressure on the administration to resolve the dispute.