The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced the approval of a new minimum wage of N70,000 for all employees under the FCT Administration. This decision takes immediate effect, bringing relief to workers who had been awaiting the implementation of the newly signed Minimum Wage Bill.
In a statement released by Anthony Odeh, Press Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, the decision was confirmed as part of efforts to address the concerns of workers. The approval also includes the payment of three months’ arrears to staff, starting in November 2024.
It is worth noting that this comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Minimum Wage Bill into law in May 2024, setting N70,000 as the minimum wage for Nigerian workers. However, delays in implementing the new wage in various states, including the FCT, had sparked tensions.
Labour unions such as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had previously issued threats of a nationwide strike, citing the failure of some administrations, including the FCT, to engage with workers and meet their demands.
The Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, highlighted the importance of the minister’s action. She noted, “This gesture will further spur the entire administration staff to support the minister in continuing to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
