Abia teachers to begin strike Thursday over unpaid salaries

The Abia State Standing Committee of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has concluded plans to embark on strike action on Thursday over what they described as “stringent measures on teachers” by the state governor, Alex Otti.

This decision follows deliberations held during an enlarged meeting of representatives from the national, state, and branch levels of the NUT on Tuesday, March 4 and a subsequent meeting of the Abia State Standing Committee on March 28.

The strike was preceded by the issuance of a 14-day ultimatum and a subsequent seven-day notice to Governor Otti, demanding urgent resolution of the issues raised or face industrial action.

According to a communiqué made available to newsmen on Saturday, and signed by the State Chairman, C. Madu Friday, and the State Secretary, Mrs Nnenna Okonkwo, the union expressed deep concern over the welfare of its members.

“Following the trend of unpalatable events that have been unfolding since our last communiqué of March 5, 2025, to His Excellency and other education stakeholders in the state, the State Standing Committee met to re-examine how far the government has gone in addressing the union’s demands but was shocked that no positive attention has been given in that regard.

“The Leaders-in-Session further observed that the March 2025 salary excluded both the minimum wage and the Teachers’ Salary Structure, while other unions with special salary arrangements, such as the Medical and Health Workers Union and the judiciary, were paid using their special structures in March.

Teachers are still being retired by ASUBEB, despite His Excellency’s approval of the 65 years/40 years service extension. Promotions are released haphazardly without coordination, among other issues detailed in our communiqué of 5th March 2025, as attached.

Non-payment of arrears to teachers in basic schools remains part of the problem. Since their colleagues in SEMB have started receiving parts of their arrears, it would be justifiable for basic school teachers to be considered as well.”

The union added: “We frown at such stringent measures on teachers and hereby resolve that a 14-day ultimatum be given to the government for these issues to be resolved amicably. Otherwise, the union may no longer be able to guarantee members’ unalloyed service to their employer—the government—for a worker deserves better conditions of service.”

They appealed to Governor Otti, stating, “It is our fervent hope that he will not allow the situation teachers have found themselves in to degenerate further.”

When contacted, the State Chairman, Friday, said: “Our 14-day ultimatum with a communiqué by the State Executive Council was submitted to all concerned government authorities on Friday, 28/03/2025, which elapsed on 11/04/2025, and the seven-day notice served on Wednesday, 16/04/2025 will end on Wednesday, 23/04/2025.

“The strike action is expected to begin on Thursday, 24/04/2025.”