HURIWA Blasts Wike Over FCT Teachers’ Strike, Demands Immediate Payment
Rights Group Faults FCT Handling of Teachers’ Strike
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticised the Federal Capital Territory Administration over the ongoing teachers’ strike, blaming the crisis on what it described as poor attention to workers’ welfare.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of prioritising physical infrastructure while neglecting the welfare of teachers and other public servants.
HURIWA said it was unacceptable that educators in Abuja, one of Africa’s most expensive cities, were still struggling with wages it described as inadequate and out of touch with present economic realities.
‘Development Must Include Human Capital’
The group argued that governance should not be measured solely by roads, bridges and other visible projects, but also by investments in education and human development.
According to HURIWA, no society can make sustainable progress when teachers are poorly paid, demoralised and forced into industrial action.
It said the prolonged shutdown of schools due to unresolved welfare concerns risks undermining learning outcomes and public confidence in government.
Calls for Salary Review and Dialogue
HURIWA urged the authorities to immediately pay outstanding salaries, allowances and entitlements owed to striking teachers.
The group also called for urgent negotiations with unions to resolve the dispute and reopen public schools across the FCT.
In addition, it proposed a broad review of teachers’ remuneration nationwide, arguing that educators deserve compensation that reflects their role in nation-building.
Warning Over Social Consequences
The association warned that prolonged disruption of education could worsen unemployment, youth frustration and insecurity in the long term.
It urged the FCT Administration to act swiftly, saying delays could provoke wider public dissatisfaction and deepen the crisis.
