The Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has declared an indefinite strike in Abuja over unresolved issues surrounding the promotion and career progression of teachers.
The strike begins on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration.
The NLC had issued the ultimatum on September 8, demanding action on long-standing welfare concerns affecting teachers in the FCT.
In a communique signed by the NLC FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Knabayi S. Adalo, the union rejected the FCTA’s response, describing it as “ambiguous, dismissive and totally unacceptable.”
The dispute centres on the FCTA’s implementation of a “vacancy clause”, which makes teachers’ promotion dependent on the availability of vacant positions.
The NLC argued that teachers are recruited specifically by the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and the FCT Secondary Education Board to teach.
The union said teachers should therefore not be treated like core civil servants or pool staff when considering promotions.
It maintained that vacancy-based promotion is meant for pool officers and has resulted in career stagnation and low morale among teachers.
The NLC called for the resolution of the issue, warning that the indefinite strike would remain in effect until its demands are addressed.
