FCT Minister moves to withhold area Councils’ funds over teachers’ strike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to withhold 10 percent of statutory allocations to FCT Area Councils over their failure to implement the new minimum wage for primary school teachers.

The decision follows the prolonged strike action by primary school teachers in the FCT, which the Minister described as “embarrassing” and a failure of responsibility by the Area Council Chairmen.

Wike, who spoke during a media briefing in Abuja, expressed disappointment that teachers had to resort to industrial action to demand what was rightfully theirs, despite earlier directives from the FCT Administration for council authorities to release funds for wage payments.

“I met with the Council Chairmen at the onset of the strike to understand their challenges and directed that they be supported financially to pay the minimum wage,” the Minister said.

“Unfortunately, the strike continues, and it is becoming a national embarrassment.”

While acknowledging the autonomy of the elected Area Council Chairmen, Wike emphasized that his primary responsibility remains the welfare of FCT residents, especially the educational needs of children.

“I do not have the power to remove them since they are elected officials, but I can take measures to ensure they are held accountable. We have resolved to withhold 10 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR),” he stated.

To ensure transparency and fairness, Wike announced the formation of a committee that will oversee the direct disbursement of funds to affected teachers once allocations are recovered.

This move is part of broader efforts by the FCT Administration to address challenges in the education sector and uphold President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

The Minister also used the occasion to unveil plans for celebrating President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, promising a series of projects and programmes that reflect the administration’s commitment to governance and development.