Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, has indicated he may allocate ten percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) designated for Area Councils to pay striking primary school teachers in the FCT.
This announcement came during his inspection of the Apo-Karshi Road project on Thursday.
Wike expressed his commitment to ensuring that children’s education is not disrupted by the ongoing strike, which has lasted for over a week. “No serious government would permit it,” he stated, underscoring his stance against the strike.
The teachers resumed their action on September 18, 2024, following a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Area Council Chairmen by the FCT Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers. Their demands include the implementation of a 40% Peculiar Allowance and the settlement of 25 months of Minimum Wage Arrears.
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Wike noted that he had convened a meeting with the Area Council Chairmen and the FCT NUT leadership to address these concerns.
“I’ve invited the Area Council Chairmen and the NUT to let us sit down. These are the things we talk about. We try to do what we can to see that the system is moving well. It is unfortunate, as I told the Area Council Chairmen, that the teachers are on strike.”
He further remarked on the implications of the strike, stating, “And that will mean that if the teachers are not paid, then I will use the 10% IGR, which nobody has paid to them, to pay the teachers. I will not fold my arms and allow that to happen. No serious government will allow their teachers to stay at home while the children are suffering; I will not tolerate that.”
Regarding the Apo-Karshi Road project, Wike mentioned that the contractor, Messrs Khakatar Limited, has promised completion by April 2025. While he harbors some skepticism, he has chosen to give the contractor the benefit of the doubt.
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