The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned that he might divert 10 percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) owed to the six Area Councils of the FCT to settle unpaid teachers’ entitlements. His remarks came in response to the ongoing strike by primary school teachers, which has disrupted education in the territory.
During a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, Wike expressed frustration over the failure of the Area Councils to meet their financial obligations to the teachers, despite earlier agreements. The strike, initiated by the FCT Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), began on September 18, following unresolved issues related to the teachers’ welfare. This industrial action follows earlier strikes that were suspended in October 2023 and January 2024.
Wike acknowledged the efforts of the FCT administration to keep the educational system running smoothly but described the continued strike as "very unfortunate." He stated that he had already engaged with the chairmen of the Area Councils and leaders of the NUT in hopes of reaching a solution.
“We have tried to do what we could to see that the system was moving well,” Wike said. “It is, however, unfortunate that the teachers are still on strike. No serious government will allow their teachers to stay at home while children suffer.”
In his remarks, Wike emphasized that he would not hesitate to divert 10 percent of the IGR, which is typically allocated to the Area Councils, to pay the teachers if necessary. “If the teachers are not paid, I will use the 10 percent of IGR which we normally pay to the area councils to pay the teachers,” he added, underscoring his commitment to resolving the issue.
The teachers’ grievances include the non-payment of 60 percent of the 25-month-old minimum wage arrears, failure to implement salary increases of 25 and 35 percent, non-payment of a 40 percent peculiar allowance, and non-payment of a N35,000 wage award. The teachers are also demanding the implementation of a template agreed upon in 2022 for settling outstanding entitlements.
Wike’s earlier intervention had led to the payment of 40 percent of the minimum wage arrears, with the expectation that the Area Councils would pay the remaining 60 percent. While the teachers acknowledged that Wike fulfilled his promise, they are frustrated that the Area Council chairmen have not yet met their obligations.