Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a decisive move to withhold 10 percent of statutory allocations from FCT Area Councils due to their failure to implement the new minimum wage for primary school teachers, which has led to a prolonged strike. Speaking through a statement by the Assistant Director of Press, Rabi Umar, Wike condemned the councils’ leadership for what he described as a lack of conscience, despite receiving over N4 billion meant to settle teachers’ wages.
“This strike is very unfortunate,” Wike said. “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.” The minister emphasized that, although the councils are constitutionally autonomous, his intervention is necessary to safeguard the rights of teachers and the future of FCT children. He also announced the formation of a committee that will supervise direct payments to teachers moving forward.
In response to those citing local government autonomy as a reason for inaction, Wike was firm: “Do you want me to fold my arms and allow our children to be at home because you want LGA autonomy? No!” He reiterated that the councils had received adequate funds, yet failed to fulfill their obligations to educators, prompting his intervention through financial sanctions.
Beyond the education sector, Wike unveiled a series of capital projects to be inaugurated in commemoration of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office. These include major road projects across Ketti, Takushara, A2 to Pai, Ushafa, and War College areas in four Area Councils. He also announced the long-awaited renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), previously described as an “eyesore,” with a maintenance contract now signed with Julius Berger. The renovation will be funded by revenue from the full commercialization of the facility.
On utilities, Wike disclosed a new partnership with Chinese construction firm CGC to extend water supply to satellite towns including Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu. The project, with funding secured in both national and statutory budgets, is expected to be completed within two years. He also mentioned enhanced security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras to deter streetlight vandalism, and plans to equip new road projects with lighting infrastructure.
Addressing internal governance within the FCT administration, Wike affirmed timely salary payments and support for civil servants but expressed his refusal to fund non-essential foreign training trips. He revealed plans to seek National Assembly approval to redirect such funds to more pressing needs. On the political front, Wike attributed recent defections from the PDP to internal impunity and poor leadership, calling for honesty and justice to rebuild the party. He also lauded First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a humble and development-focused leader, noting her personal interest in FCT projects and constructive feedback.