Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced he may allocate 10 percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the six Area Councils to settle the entitlements of striking teachers.
Wike made this statement in Abuja while addressing the ongoing strike by the FCT Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), which resumed on September 18 over unresolved welfare issues. The strike is a continuation of earlier actions suspended in October 2023 and January 2024.
Expressing his frustration, Wike stated he has met with area council chairmen and NUT leaders to seek a resolution, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure teachers are paid and children can attend school. The strike has been fueled by issues such as unpaid minimum wage arrears and salary increases, with the union highlighting that while Wike has honored a commitment to pay 40 percent of the minimum wage arrears, the area councils have not fulfilled their obligations.