Teachers’ promotion dispute sparks NLC indefinite FCT strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress, in a dispute over teachers' promotions and welfare, has declared an indefinite strike across the FCT. This strike began on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following a meeting of the State Executive Council at Labour House, Abuja on Tuesday. The union, through its FCT Council Chairman, Knabayi Adalo, instructed workers in both public and private sectors to halt their work until their demands are met.

The NLC had given the Federal Capital Territory Administration a seven-day ultimatum to address their concerns, which included the removal of a vacancy precondition for teacher promotions, reconsideration of eligible 2025 teachers for promotion exams, and the withdrawal of redeployment and demotion letters issued to directors under the Harmonised Teachers Retirement Age Act of 2022. The administration's response, according to the union, was insufficient and did not address the core issues.

The NLC further clarified that teachers in the FCT should not be subjected to the same vacancy-based promotion system as pool officers and emphasized that teachers are specifically employed for teaching roles and should be promoted when due. The labour body accused the FCT Administration of attempting to maintain industrial harmony without addressing injustices against teachers, stating, "There can be no peace without justice."

As a result, the NLC directed all workers in the FCT to remain at home until their demands are addressed. Civil society organizations and Nigerians were urged to appeal to the FCT Administration to resolve these issues, stating, "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 strike was described as indefinite and potentially more severe than a warning strike. As of the press time, the FCT Administration had not publicly responded to the strike declaration.