The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has instructed the six Area Council Chairmen under the FCT to urgently pay the backlog of national minimum wage arrears owed to workers.
His directive comes after a protest last week by health workers, teachers, and other council employees who demanded immediate settlement of wage arrears, among other grievances.
Wike’s message was delivered during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja, where he was represented by Grace Adayilo, the Head of the FCT Civil Service. He noted that the strike action by council staff, particularly those in primary health and education sectors, was a result of the councils’ failure to implement the revised national minimum wage.
“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing strike action by Area Council employees over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage,” Wike said.
He further noted that the FCT Administration had already released N4.16 billion to the councils specifically for the settlement of these arrears.
“I had approved the release of the sum of N4.1bn, which was paid to the six Area Councils. I once again call on them to ensure the payment of the minimum wage and its arrears to the workers,” he stated.
Beyond wage payments, Wike pointed out that the FCT Administration is actively working to improve working and learning conditions in the area. Efforts include building and renovating schools, providing teaching materials, and supporting teachers with better infrastructure.
He also mentioned broader welfare initiatives for FCTA staff, including timely salary and pension payments, upgraded office environments, improved staff promotions, and training programs designed to boost employee skills and job performance.
“Today, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to staff welfare and the best-ever conditions of service,” he said.
