Wike Approves ₦4 Billion for Striking Teachers and Council Workers in Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria – April 2025
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the sum of ₦4 billion to pay the new ₦70,000 minimum wage and settle long-standing salary arrears owed to primary school teachers and area council workers across Abuja.
This decision follows a prolonged strike by teachers and local government employees, which resumed on February 13, 2025, after several failed agreements to implement the new wage structure. The strike has disrupted public primary schools and stalled critical operations in the six area councils of the FCT.
Despite Wike’s approval, the strike remains active as the funds have yet to be disbursed. Union leaders insist the industrial action will continue until the payments are made in full and all agreements are honored.
Earlier, Wike had warned that if the area council chairmen failed to comply, he would deduct 10% of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to pay the workers directly. He stressed that teachers must not be left unpaid while education suffers in the capital.
The ₦4 billion intervention is expected to cover both minimum wage adjustments and other outstanding entitlements. However, pressure remains on the FCT administration to ensure transparent and timely disbursement of the funds to restore normalcy.
This move is part of Wike’s broader effort to reform governance in the FCT and hold local officials accountable to their responsibilities.
