Wike threatens to divert area council funds to pay striking teachers

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to divert 10% of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) meant for area councils to settle outstanding salaries of primary school teachers in the territory.

Wike’s warning comes amid an ongoing strike by Local Education Authority (LEA) teachers, who are demanding payment of 60% of their 25-month minimum wage arrears and other entitlements.

The minister, who had earlier paid 40% of the wage arrears, criticized the area council chairmen for failing to honor their promise to settle the remaining amount.

During an inspection of the Abuja-Karshi road reconstruction, Wike expressed disappointment at the strike, stating, “No serious government will be happy seeing children of school age at home due to avoidable strikes.”

He emphasized his commitment to resolving the issue, warning, “I will not fold my arms and allow this to continue… If the teachers are not paid, I will use the 10% IGR to pay them.”

Wike’s directive follows Wednesday’s protest by teachers, who barricaded council secretariats, preventing workers and officials from entering.

The minister has invited area council chairmen and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) for talks, seeking a swift resolution to the dispute.