By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike have met with both the leadership of the National Union of Teachers, (NUT),National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the chairmen of the six Area Councils.
The meeting which was held on Thursday at the instance of the Minister was aimed at resolving the protracted strike action being carried out by the primary school teachers across the FCT.
Other participants at the meeting held behind closed door includes the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, FCTA Head of Service, and the Permanent Secretary, FCTA Treasury.
While addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon. Amadi confirmed that the meeting was able to take decisions that are far-reaching and he was optimistic that the prolonged strike will soon be resolved.
According to him, “The Hon. Minister of the FCT today summoned a very special meeting to address the lingering issue that has impacted negatively on academic exercise within the FCT Area Councils. At the end of the meeting, I’m happy to announce that after exhaustive deliberation, the matter has been put to rest.
“Key resolutions from the meeting, include the Immediate Payment of Arrears of primary school teachers’ salary, approximately 70% of the owed salaries and arrears to teachers will be paid by channeling the accrued revenue of the Area Councils for the past six months.”
He disclosed that a special committee has been constituted to address the remaining outstanding issues and ensure a comprehensive resolution.
Members of the committee according to him comprises of three from NUT, Two from FCTA, one Area Council Chairman and a representative From NANS, adding that the committee only have two weeks to submit it’s report.
He equally said that payment of outstanding salary of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) is currently receiving the Minister’s attention.
The President of NANS, Olushola Ladoja, corroborated the agreement, stating, “During the meeting, the NUT proposed receiving 70% of the owed sum. “Based on calculations of the IGR, it was confirmed that this amount could be covered. The Honourable Minister then directed that the council chairmen’s IGR be used for this purpose and pleaded with the teachers to call off the strike”.
“He also constituted a committee, which includes NANS, to look into other unresolved demands within two weeks,” Ladoja added.
He commended the Minister’s intervention, despite concerns about interference with the autonomy of the Area Councils.
Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said the decision to withdraw 10% of the Area Councils’ internally generated revenue (IGR) for the next six months to settle these payments, though “painful”, was accepted in good faith by the Area Council Chairmen in the interest of peace and the education of the children.
He expressed optimism for a swift return to normalcy. “We hope that before the close of work today, the union will call off the strike, and by tomorrow, our children will return to school,” he said.
The FCT NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafa, stated the need to consult with the internal structure of the union, including the State Trustees, the Standing Committee, and the State Wing Executive Council, before taking a final decision on calling off the strike.
