The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Abuja has directed all primary and secondary school teachers to join the strike initiated by the Joint Union Action Committee.

This strike is expected to begin on Monday (today).

This was disclosed in a communiqué jointly signed by the union’s chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, secretary, Margaret Jethro, and publicity secretary, Ibukun Adekeye, on Monday.

According to the communiqué, the decision to down tools follows a directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress, instructing all affiliate unions within the FCT to escalate the industrial action.

While the NUT noted initial reservations about the organisational approach of the JUAC-led strike, the union emphasised that the NLC’s intervention necessitated a unified front.

‘’All teachers in FCT primary and secondary schools are to stay away from classrooms starting Monday.

“Teachers within the city centre and surrounding areas are directed to converge at the National Industrial Court on Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja by 7:00 a.m. on Monday.

“The gathering is intended to show solidarity during the hearing of a court case instituted against JUAC,” said the communiqué.

According to the communiqué, the union reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating with authorities until all outstanding demands specifically affecting teachers are met.

”In pursuit of justice and to demonstrate our collective resolve, we must stand together. A people united can never be defeated,” the communiqué said.

The union urged its members to remain steadfast while promising to provide updates as the situation unfolds.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration began an indefinite strike on January 19 over unresolved welfare concerns.

The workers under JUAC have been appealing for urgent action to resolve the welfare issues affecting their morale and productivity.

The president of the union, Rifkatu Iortyer, had earlier told journalists that some of the concerns raised included non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions and no payments or overheads.

Others are unlawful restrictions, the centralisation of salary preparation and payment, and the non-payment of officers of the Abuja Environment Protection Board and the Social Development Secretariat, who are engaged to enforce laws and policies.

(NAN)