The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has vowed to withhold 10 percent of statutory allocations to Area Councils in the FCT over their failure to pay the new minimum wage to primary school teachers, which has led to an ongoing strike.
Wike made the declaration during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, describing the prolonged industrial action as “embarrassing and unacceptable.” He maintained that children’s education must not be sacrificed on the altar of political or administrative excuses.
“I met with the Area Council Chairmen when the strike started and directed that they be provided with the necessary funds to pay the teachers. It’s disappointing that nothing was done and the teachers are still on strike,” Wike said.
While acknowledging that the Area Councils enjoy constitutional autonomy, the Minister emphasized his obligation to protect the educational interests of FCT residents.
“I don’t have the power to sack elected chairmen, but I will not fold my arms while our children remain out of school. I’ve decided to withhold 10 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) until they do what is right,” he stated.
Wike also announced the creation of a committee to oversee the direct payment of funds to the affected teachers, reiterating that the autonomy of local councils should not be used as an excuse to neglect basic responsibilities.
“Local government autonomy cannot be a reason to keep our children at home. It is our duty to act when leaders fail to fulfill their obligations,” he said.
