Wike Approves ₦12bn January Salaries for FCT Workers After Court Suspends Strike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved and released over 12 billion naira in January salaries for FCT government employees. This follows a court ruling that suspended the ongoing strike.

Wike announced this at a press conference shortly after the ruling, stating that the FCT administration had largely met the legitimate demands of the employees despite the strike.

According to the minister, the FCT receives only one percent of the federally allocated revenue—an amount insufficient to cover salaries and other administrative costs.

He explained that the administration initially sought dialogue to resolve the conflict but ultimately pursued legal action after the conflict was allegedly being exploited for political purposes.

Wike acknowledged the workers’ right to protest in a democratic system but emphasized that strikes should be a last resort, especially since the government had already addressed most of the unions’ demands.

Wike acknowledged the workers’ right to protest in a democratic system but stressed that strikes should be a last resort. He explained that the government did not deny the legitimate rights of workers, but emphasized that it was impossible to meet all demands simultaneously. Therefore, a balance had to be struck between wage payments and infrastructure development.

The minister rejected reports that he had been forced to resign during the strike, calling them false and politically motivated.

Regarding revenue generation, Mr. Wike announced that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration had increased its domestic revenue from approximately 9 billion naira to 30 billion naira since he took office.

He highlighted the reforms implemented by the current administration, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the appointment of state secretaries, and the creation of the department head position. These changes, he said, had improved career opportunities for civil servants.

Following the court ruling to suspend the strike, Mr. Wike warned that any worker who did not return to work would face disciplinary action. He added that dialogue with the unions would continue.