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Nurses, teachers protest, demand N70,000 minimum wage
Byline: Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike held an emergency meeting with Area Council chairmen on Thursday to address the ongoing primary school teachers’ strike over unpaid entitlements and the non-implementation of the ₦70,000 federal minimum wage.
The strike, led by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), has disrupted education due to the chairmen’s failure to pay salaries, despite Wike approving ₦4.1 billion for this purpose.
Concurrently, nurses, teachers, and Area Council workers protested at the FCTA Secretariat, demanding the reopening of over 270 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and implementation of the minimum wage. The Joint Unions, including NULGE, NUT, and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT chapter, highlighted the education and health crises. NANNM-FCT Chairman James Medan warned of rising maternal and child mortality due to PHC closures, noting, “Fewer than 130 nurses and midwives manage these facilities.” He accused the chairmen of diverting the N4.1 billion released by Wike for workers’ entitlements, including hazard and uniform allowances.
NUT FCT Chairman Abdullahi Shafa echoed Medan, stating, “The N4.1 billion released by the minister for teachers and nurses has gone under the bridge.” He urged Wike to intervene to save the education system, as the strike, ongoing for over a month, stems from non-payment of the minimum wage, a 40% peculiar allowance, and other salary increments.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threatened to escalate within a week if its demands are not met. NLC President Joe Ajaero assured protesters of nationwide worker solidarity, saying, “This rally is a sign of what will happen if authorities fail to act.”
Speaking during a road project inspection in Abuja, Wike called the strike “very unfortunate” and criticised the chairmen’s lack of conscience. “I approved money to be sent to them to pay the teachers, but they were unable to do that,” he said, noting he summoned the chairmen after receiving a report on 23 April. Wike clarified that primary schools fall under Area Council jurisdiction, not the FCTA, and appealed to the NUT for patience. “I have summoned them to a meeting and continue to appeal to NUT to give them some time,” he added.
FCT Education Secretariat Mandate Secretary Dr Hayyo Danlami assured protesters their demands would reach Wike. The unions accused the chairmen of diverting funds, calling for National Assembly and EFCC intervention.