Abia teachers threaten indefinite strike over unresolved welfare issues

Teachers in Abia State, under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if the state government fails to address their welfare demands within seven days.

The ultimatum, dated January 5, 2026, was signed by the NUT State Chairman, Kingsley Mmadu, and State Secretary, Nnenna Okonkwo. It is set to expire at midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026.

The union accused the government of inaction on issues raised in a previous communiqué dated December 19, 2025, warning that the industrial harmony currently enjoyed in the state is under threat due to unresolved grievances.

Among the key demands are the resolution of irregularities in the 65/40 years service elongation policy, payment of outstanding salary arrears, immediate release of the 2020/2021 promotion results, reinstatement of the 27.5% Teachers’ Special Salary Structure for primary school teachers, and salary harmonisation for teachers on the same grade level.

The NUT also called for the implementation of consequential minimum wage adjustments for secondary school teachers, release of approved running costs for head teachers, payment of outstanding leave allowances, correction of alleged wrongful NUT dues remittance to NASU, and cancellation of the proposed Computer-Based Test format for promotion interviews.

The union warned that failure by the government to meet these demands by the ultimatum deadline would compel it to direct members to commence an indefinite strike, an action it said it has consistently sought to avoid.