Gbagyi Youth Forum Urges Presidential Intervention Over ₦59 Billion Debt Owed To FCT Teachers

Stakeholders in Abuja call on President Tinubu for a special intervention to settle ₦59bn in FCT teacher arrears to prevent a collapse of rural development.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 6:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP Media Group

A Call for Urgent Financial Relief

At a joint press conference in Abuja, the FCT Gbagyi Youth Forum raised an alarm regarding the staggering ₦59 billion debt owed to primary school teachers across the six Area Councils. Chairman Hon. Musa Jezhi Nyanya stated that while the forum fully supports the teachers’ right to their arrears, the current administrations cannot shoulder a debt dating back fifteen years without compromising critical infrastructure projects. The group argues that without federal assistance, the financial pressure will halt the development of rural communities.

Impact on Grassroots Development

The forum highlighted that the financial burden is already straining the ability of local governments to provide basic services. Critical needs such as clean water supply, health center maintenance, and youth employment programs are at risk of being sidelined. Furthermore, local contractors—who are vital to the rural economy—are reportedly facing severe financial distress due to the councils' inability to meet payment obligations. The group warned that these economic setbacks could have wider implications for social stability and security in the Federal Capital Territory.

Delays in IGR Disbursements

In addition to the teacher arrears, the forum expressed concern over the delayed release of the statutory 10% Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) due to the Area Councils. They noted that the timely disbursement of these funds is essential for local governments to function effectively. The stakeholders called for more transparency in the allocation process to ensure that councils have the liquidity needed to improve facility maintenance and provide necessary learning materials for schools.