ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that over ₦12 billion has already been paid as January salaries, stressing that the government had largely met workers’ legitimate demands before the ongoing strike was hijacked by political interests.
Speaking on the labour action, Wike said the administration initially pursued dialogue, but when it became clear politicians were exploiting the strike, legal intervention became necessary to restore order.
“I just signed January salaries amounting to over ₦12 billion. Yet the FCT is entitled to only one per cent of federal revenue. If the federal government earns ₦1 trillion, the FCT gets about ₦10 billion. That allocation alone cannot cover salaries, let alone run the administration,” Wike explained.
He emphasised that while workers have a right to protest in a democracy, strikes should be a last resort. “If workers ask for 14 days and government addresses issues within 10, there should be room for understanding and patience,” he added.
Drawing from his experience as a former governor and local government chairman, Wike warned against unrealistic demands. “When demands are legitimate, government acknowledges them. But it is not always possible to implement everything at once. Government does not deny legitimate entitlements, especially wages.”
Wike dismissed claims circulating that he was chased from his office during the strike, calling them politically motivated falsehoods. “I was in my office, travelled to see Mr President, went to Turkey, and returned. These stories are deliberate misinformation,” he said.
Highlighting financial progress, the minister said FCT Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office to ₦30 billion, sustaining salaries, reforms, and development. He also cited key civil service reforms, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointment of permanent secretaries, and creation of the Office of the Head of Service.
Following a court ruling suspending the strike, Wike issued a stern warning: “Disobeying the law has consequences. From tomorrow, any worker who refuses to resume work will face disciplinary action. Anyone who blocks government facilities will face the full weight of the law.”
He reassured that dialogue with unions has continued with his approval, adding: “No amount of blackmail or political games will intimidate this administration. We will obey the court, and everyone else must do the same.”
If you want, I can also make a more explosive, Sun-style headline version with a one-line hook that would grab every reader immediately, e.g., something like:
“Wike Blows Hot: FCT Workers Must Resume or Be Fired — Salaries Paid, Strike Hijacked by Politicians!”
