The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blamed the Chairpersons of the six Area Councils for the ongoing strike by primary school teachers and other council workers across Abuja.
Wike voiced his displeasure on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing road projects, describing the situation as a failure of leadership at the council level. He criticized the Chairpersons for withholding workers’ salaries despite the FCT Administration releasing the necessary funds.
“It’s unfortunate, and we must tell ourselves the truth,” Wike said. “The Area Council Chairmen, after receiving the funds I approved for them, have failed to pay the teachers. I only received the full report yesterday, and I have summoned all of them for a meeting.”
The minister’s comments follow mounting protests by primary school teachers, health workers, and council staff over unpaid wages and the non-implementation of the new minimum wage structure.
Wike appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience, assuring them that the administration was committed to finding a solution.
“I don’t understand how people can feel comfortable owing teachers — those responsible for the future of our children — and still sleep well at night,” he said.
He further clarified that the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries falls under the direct responsibility of the Area Councils, not the FCT Administration.
“These are primary school teachers, and their welfare is the duty of the councils. It’s not a federal or FCTA issue,” Wike explained. “I have called an emergency meeting with the Chairmen and continue to appeal to the NUT to allow a little time for this to be resolved.”
The ongoing strike has brought learning activities in FCT primary schools to a halt, with growing calls for urgent government intervention to prevent a prolonged disruption in the education sector.
