From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has announced a bold move to withhold 10 percent of the statutory allocations to FCT Area Councils in response to their failure to pay the new minimum wage to primary school teachers, which has triggered an ongoing strike.
In a statement issued by Assistant Director of Press, Rabi Umar, the minister while addressing the crisis, expressed deep disappointment, describing the strike as “very unfortunate” and condemning the Area Council Chairmen for lacking conscience. He revealed that despite releasing over N4 billion to the councils to pay the teachers, the funds have not been used for this purpose. “These teachers have families to care for. Why don’t you have conscience? If I wield the big stick now, they will begin to say this and that,” he said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Wike explained that while the Area Councils are elected bodies and thus beyond his direct control, he is compelled to act to protect the welfare of FCT residents and ensure children’s education is not compromised. “I have limits; I cannot sack them because they are elected. Therefore, I have taken the step to withhold 10 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR),” he stated. He further announced the formation of a committee to oversee direct payment to teachers as funds are released to the councils.
Responding to concerns about local government autonomy, Wike firmly rejected inaction, saying, “Do you want me to fold arms and allow our children to be at home because you want LGA autonomy? No! The money has been released to you as allowed, yet you are depriving people of their wages”.
Beyond the strike, Wike outlined significant infrastructure projects slated for inauguration to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office. These include road projects in Ketti, Takushara, A2 to Pai, Ushafa, and War College areas across four Area Councils, as well as the long-overdue renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), which he described as previously an “eyesore.” A maintenance contract with Julius Berger has been signed to sustain the ICC, funded by revenue from its full commercialization.
On utilities, Wike announced a partnership with Chinese construction giant CGC to extend water supply to satellite towns such as Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu, with funding secured in national and statutory budgets and completion expected within two years. He also highlighted enhanced security measures including CCTV cameras to prevent streetlight vandalism and assured ongoing procurement to equip new road projects with streetlights.
Regarding FCT workers’ welfare, Wike affirmed timely payments and motivation but expressed refusal to approve funding for non-essential overseas training, intending to seek National Assembly approval to reallocate such funds to critical needs.
On political matters, Wike attributed recent defections from the PDP to the ruling party to impunity and poor leadership within the PDP, emphasizing the need for sincerity and justice to stabilize the party. He also praised the nation’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as “a First Lady of a different kind”-humble, supportive, and deeply invested in national development. He recounted her personal engagement, including calls to thank him for completed projects and suggest improvements, underscoring her instrumental role in the administration’s success.