Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has intervened in the ongoing strike by primary school teachers, threatening to utilize 10% of the Area Councils’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to pay the educators if the dispute remains unresolved.
The FCT Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) initiated the strike last Wednesday, demanding the implementation of a 40% Peculiar Allowance and the settlement of 25 months of Minimum Wage Arrears. Wike expressed his determination to ensure children do not suffer from the disruption, stating, “No serious government will allow their teachers to stay at home while the children are suffering.”
The minister has invited the Area Council Chairmen and NUT leaders for discussions to find a solution. Meanwhile, regarding the ongoing Apo-Karshi Road project, he revealed that the contractor has promised completion by April 2025, although he remains skeptical about this timeline. “This project is crucial for easing traffic and boosting economic activities in the area,” he added.
