The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to withhold 10 percent of the statutory allocations to FCT Area Councils due to their failure to pay primary school teachers the new minimum wage.
Wike made the announcement during a live media chat in Abuja, where he expressed frustration over the ongoing strike by teachers across FCT public primary schools. He said despite earlier directives to the council chairmen to resolve the issue, the councils have failed to act.
“It is embarrassing that teachers have to go on strike just to get their rightful wages,” Wike said. “The money has been given to the councils, yet they are not paying. I cannot just fold my arms and allow children to remain at home.”
Although he noted that he cannot remove the elected chairmen, Wike said he has the authority to withhold part of their internally generated revenue. A committee, he said, would now oversee the disbursement of funds directly to teachers to ensure they are paid.
Addressing critics who cite local government autonomy, Wike fired back: “Autonomy does not mean neglecting your responsibilities. Children’s education is too important to be politicised.”
The teachers’ strike has disrupted academic activities in the FCT for several weeks, sparking concerns from parents and education advocates.
Wike also disclosed plans to commission multiple infrastructure projects across the FCT to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office. Among these are roads in Ketti, Takushara, Ushafa, Pai, and the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), which he said had become an “eyesore.”
According to the Minister, the ICC renovation will be maintained under a new agreement with Julius Berger, funded by the facility’s commercial activities.
**Water, Security, and Streetlight Projects**
Wike revealed that the administration is partnering with Chinese firm CGC to bring pipe-borne water to Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu, with funding already included in the national budget.
On security, he said streetlights now come with CCTV surveillance to deter vandalism. Additional lights will be installed on roads previously awarded without them.
The Minister confirmed that FCT workers are being paid promptly but said he has blocked unnecessary overseas training trips, even if they were previously budgeted. “We will ask the National Assembly to redirect such funds to essential projects,” he said.
Wike praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her humility and support, revealing that she personally called to thank him for completed projects and offered ideas, including improvements to Abuja’s City Gate.
“She’s a different kind of First Lady. Very thoughtful and committed to national development,” Wike said.
The Minister reaffirmed the administration’s stand on transparency and accountability, warning against corrupt land practices and open grazing within the FCT.
