Wike Vows to Use Local Revenue to Pay Striking FCT Teachers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning, announcing that he will tap into ten percent of the Area Councils’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to pay primary school teachers currently on strike in the FCT.

During an inspection of the ongoing Apo-Karshi Road project, Wike expressed his disapproval of the ongoing teachers’ strike, which has persisted for over a week. He emphasized that no responsible government would stand by and allow children to miss out on their education because of unresolved labor issues.

The FCT primary school teachers resumed their strike on September 18, 2024, following a 14-day ultimatum given to the Area Council Chairmen by the FCT Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). The teachers’ demands include the implementation of a 40% Peculiar Allowance and the settlement of 25 months of unpaid Minimum Wage Arrears.

Wike stated that he has already reached out to the Area Council Chairmen and the leadership of the FCT NUT to initiate dialogue on the matter.

“I’ve called for discussions between the Area Council Chairmen and the NUT. We must ensure that the system runs smoothly. It is truly unfortunate that this strike is affecting the children,” Wike said.

He further warned that if the teachers remain unpaid, he would resort to using 10% of the IGR, which is traditionally allocated to the Area Councils, to cover the teachers’ salaries. “I will not sit back and let this situation continue. No serious government would allow teachers to stay at home while children suffer. This will not be tolerated under my watch,” he added.

In a related development, Wike provided an update on the progress of the Apo-Karshi Road project. He mentioned that Messrs Khakatar Limited, the contractor, has assured the government that the project will be completed by April 2025. Although Wike expressed reservations about this timeline, he chose to give the contractor the benefit of the doubt.

“The contractor insists that by April 2025, the project will be completed. This is an important project for us, as it will significantly ease traffic and improve economic activity in the area. We are giving them a chance to prove their commitment,” Wike noted.