Wike knocks FCT council chairs over teachers strike

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has expressed displeasure over failure of the Area Council chairmen to pay the minimum wage of the council workers.

Wike said he had summoned the chairmen to an urgent meeting, following the mass protest by primary school teachers and area council workers as well as health workers over non implementation of the minimum wage and other entitlements.

The minister stated this while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, during a routine inspection of some key road projects slated for commissioning in May, 2025, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary.

Wike described the protest by the teachers and council workers as unfortunate, saying the Area Council Chairmen failed to pay the teachers despite his approval.

The minister further expressed dismay over the non-payment of the entitlements of the primary school teachers who are responsible for the education of young children, emphasizing that primary schools fall under the purview of the Area Councils.

While summoning the chairmen to a meeting, the minister appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience while the issues were being resolved.

He said, “It’s unfortunate and we have to tell ourselves the simple truth. The Area Council Chairmen, after I have approved money to be sent to them for them to be able to pay the teachers, they were unable to do that. In fact, I got the report yesterday (Wednesday) and I have been able to summon all of them.

“I don’t know why people don’t have conscience that these are teachers who take care of our children and you are happy that you are not paying them their salaries. This is primary school teachers, not secondary school teachers. It’s the responsibility of the councils; they are in charge of the primary schools. So, I have summoned them to a meeting and also continue to appeal to NUT to give them some time that these things will be sorted out.”

Providing updates on several road projects inspected, including the OSEX left-hand service carriageway, the N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) interchange and the full scope development of the Arterial Road N5 from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, the minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and reiterated the commitment of the FCT administration to ensure timely completion.

“Generally, we are happy with the quality of work that is being carried out by all the contractors. We, on our part, will do everything possible to keep to our own obligation so that they will not find excuses why they are unable to fulfil their own obligation,” the minister stated.

Wike, while responding to question on the costs of the project, stated that the financial details would be provided during an account of stewardship.

He however disclosed the virement of approximately N10 billion by the National Assembly for the five road project, while expressing confidence that the funds will be utilized effectively before the expiration of the 2024 budget.

The minister also affirmed that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda and are beneficial to residents. He said: “I think we are happy that it will be part of the anniversary for Mr. President. Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda is working and people are happy with what they are seeing”.