ABUJA, Nigeria — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration will withhold 10 percent of statutory allocations to Area Councils over their failure to implement the national minimum wage for primary school teachers.
The move comes in response to an ongoing teachers’ strike across the FCT, triggered by the non-payment of the new wage structure by Area Council authorities.
Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja on Monday, May 12, 2025, Wike expressed frustration over the councils’ failure to honour salary obligations, despite directives and the release of funds intended for wage payments.
He described the continued strike as “embarrassing” and a threat to the education of children in the territory.
“I have limits; I cannot sack them because they are elected,” Wike said.
“Therefore, I have taken the step to withhold 10 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).”
The Minister added that a committee would be set up to manage the direct disbursement of funds to teachers, bypassing council administrations deemed to be in default.
Wike dismissed criticisms that the move would undermine local government autonomy.
“Do you want me to fold arms and allow our children to be at home because you want LGA autonomy?” he asked.
“The money has been released, yet people are being deprived of their wages.”
The FCT teachers’ strike has drawn attention to longstanding tensions between the FCT Administration and Area Councils, particularly around wage implementation and administrative accountability.
Primary school teachers in the territory have been on strike for weeks, demanding the full implementation of the revised minimum wage.
In the same media chat, Wike revealed plans to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office with the commissioning of several completed infrastructure projects.
According to the Minister, he has briefed the President and received approval to proceed with a two-week rollout of projects in both the city centre and satellite communities.
Road projects slated for commissioning include those in Ketti, Takushara, A2 to Pai, Ushafa, and War College, cutting across four Area Councils.
Wike also announced the long-awaited renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), which he described as “an eyesore” prior to the refurbishment.
The Minister said a maintenance contract with Julius Berger has been finalised, with ongoing funding for upkeep to be generated through commercial operations of the ICC.
Wike also outlined plans to improve water access in the satellite towns, beginning with Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu.
In partnership with Chinese firm CGC, the FCT Administration aims to complete water extension works within two years.
The projects have already been captured in both the national and statutory budgets.
On streetlights, the Minister disclosed that new installations will include CCTV surveillance to deter vandalism.
Road projects previously awarded without streetlighting will now be updated to incorporate lighting systems through supplementary procurement processes.
Addressing the welfare of FCT staff, Wike stated that salaries were being paid promptly and that the administration had prioritised worker motivation.
However, he also confirmed that funding requests for non-essential overseas training—though budgeted—would not be approved.
He pledged to seek reallocation of such funds toward more pressing infrastructure needs.
On broader governance issues, the Minister reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to transparency in land allocation, enforcement of the ban on open grazing, and reforms within city management, including the controversial reorganisation of the IBB Golf and Country Club.
Wike warned against corrupt practices in land administration and stated that violators would face legal consequences.
Wike also offered rare personal praise for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom he described as “a First Lady of a different kind.”
He noted her humility and direct engagement with ministers, including her personal call to thank him for infrastructure upgrades and her suggestions for improvements to the Abuja City Gate.
“She is thoughtful and sincere about national development,” Wike said.
“Her humility and support are instrumental to the success of the administration.”
