, Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration will begin withholding a portion of Area Councils’ statutory allocations over their failure to pay the new minimum wage to primary school teachers.){kind=link}
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration will begin withholding a portion of Area Councils’ statutory allocations over their failure to pay the new minimum wage to primary school teachers.
Speaking in Abuja, Wike said the decision follows the prolonged strike by teachers in the FCT, which he described as both unfortunate and unacceptable.
He revealed that despite earlier discussions with Council Chairmen and instructions to release funds for wage payments, the strike has persisted, putting the education of children at risk.
“I engaged with the Chairmen when the strike began and made sure funds were provided for wage payment, yet the issue remains unresolved,” Wike stated.
“This continued strike is an embarrassment to the administration.”
Although he acknowledged that he cannot remove the elected Chairmen due to legal constraints,
Wike emphasized that the FCT Administration would not stand by while teachers and students suffer.
As a result, he said the administration will deduct 10 percent from the councils’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) until the teachers are paid.
To ensure accountability, the Minister added that a special committee would be established to manage the release of the withheld funds directly to the affected teachers.
Wike also hinted at upcoming events to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, promising initiatives that reflect the administration’s dedication to public service and development.