The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has spoken out about why he decided to hold back funds meant for Abuja’s area councils. According to him, the money from May and June was withheld to help solve the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the city.
Wike said the teachers are angry because they are owed a huge amount in salary arrears—about N18 billion in total. This unpaid money has caused them to go on strike, leaving many schools shut down for months.
The minister is now calling on the area councils to work together with him to end the strike. He believes everyone must join hands to find a lasting solution.
He also explained that it’s actually the job of the area councils to pay the teachers, not the FCT administration. He reminded people that the FCT had helped in the past by covering 60% of the costs. However, he said he can’t keep stepping in unless the law is changed.
Wike admitted that it’s technically illegal to hold back the 10% internally generated revenue (IGR) meant for the councils, but said he did it to push for a solution.
Reports say that public primary schools in Abuja have been closed for several months now, causing protests from affected families and communities.
To move things forward, Wike said he would be meeting with the chairmen of the area councils and representatives of the teachers on Thursday. The goal is to discuss how to end the strike and reopen the schools.
