₦airaland Forum

In a bid to resolve the ongoing strike action by primary school teachers in the FCT over the non-payment of their entitlements and the new minimum wage, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has summoned the Area Council Chairmen to an urgent meeting.

The Minister disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, April 24, 2025, during a routine inspection of key road infrastructure projects slated for commissioning in May as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary.

Barr. Wike described the industrial action by the teachers and council workers as unfortunate, stating that the Area Council Chairmen had failed to pay the teachers despite releasing approved funds.

The Minister further expressed dismay over the non-payment of the entitlements of the primary school teachers who are responsible for the education of young children, emphasizing that primary schools fall under the purview of the Area Councils.

While summoning the chairmen to a meeting, the Minister appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience while the issues were being resolved.

According to him, “It’s unfortunate and we have to tell ourselves the simple truth. The Area Council Chairmen, after I have approved money to be sent to them for them to be able to pay the teachers, they were unable to do that. In fact, I got the report yesterday and I have been able to summon all of them."

Continuing, the Minister said, “I don’t know why people don’t have conscience that these are teachers who take care of our children and you are happy that you are not paying them their salaries. This is primary school teachers, not secondary school teachers. It’s the responsibility of the councils; they are in charge of the primary schools. So, I have summoned them to a meeting and also continue to appeal to NUT to give them some time that these things will be sorted out”.

Providing updates on several key road projects inspected, including the OSEX left-hand service carriageway, the N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) interchange and the full scope development of the Arterial Road N5 from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to meet its obligations to ensure timely completion.

"Generally, we are happy with the quality of work that is being carried out by all the contractors. We on our part will do everything possible to keep to our own obligation so that they will not find excuses why they were unable to fulfil their own obligation," the Minister stated.

Responding to a question on the costs of the project, Barr Wike stated that the financial details would be provided during an account of stewardship. He however disclosed the virement of approximately N10 billion by the National Assembly for the N5 road project, expressing confidence that the funds will be utilized effectively before the expiration of the 2024 budget.

The Minister also affirmed that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda and are beneficial to residents. He said: “I think we are happy that it will be part of the anniversary for Mr. President. Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda is working and people are happy with what they are seeing”.

Sonofwar:
Wicked Wike we are watching

drstranged:
Same thing he did in Rivers where civil servants were left unpaid

Anwons:
Believe Wike at your own peril. In Rivers State, this same Wike refused to pay the minimum wage, a struggle labour leaders and civil servants in the state will never forget. Wike locked labour house and threatened Itubo against going for any form of strike.

Wike refused to promote workers in the State all through his administration of 8 bad years. Sim Fubara promoted workers (3 levels) in less than 2 months of his administration which is one the sin Sim committed.

The things he doing in Abuja now isn't because of Nigeria interest, it's just an eye service to attract accolade for his Presidential ambition, period.

Sonofwar:
Wicked Wike we are watching

drstranged:
Same thing he did in Rivers where civil servants were left unpaid

Hoelujohn:
Guy man Wike, as he no be road or building contracts wey you go collect kickback, noting concern you.

Hoelujohn:
Guy man Wike, as he no be road or building contracts wey you go collect kickback, noting concern you.

drstranged:
Same thing he did in Rivers where civil servants were left unpaid

anonimi:
Do you mean that?

So what was the noise of Mr. Project about if he failed to pay workers

beardedboy:
Empty lip service.

Welcome to Nigeria where people commit atrocities and nobody gets punished. You released money to them but they refused to release it and all you can say is all this blah blah.

These guys' shamelessness is on a whole special level.

Printerscanner:
One of the reasons why Teschers don’t want autonomy for LG. As for the ones in Abuja, Wike will deal with them mercilessly

bixton:
Your story is not a good one......
Wike has said that the primary school falls directly under the purview of the Area Council chairman, who demanded for money and were given and now primary school teachers intend to go on strike!!

Now, you said, Wike refused to pay minimum wage in Rivers State when he was govenror?
Please how much was the minimum wage then when Wike was govenror during his entire tenure of 8 years?



If you said Wike did not promote civil servants in Rivers State, which position and level in Rivers State was Fubara in the civil service when Wike became governor and how did he manage to rise to the top before been made the Accountant General of the State?

bixton:
Your story is not a good one......
Wike has said that the primary school falls directly under the purview of the Area Council chairman, who demanded for money and were given and now primary school teachers intend to go on strike!!

Now, you said, Wike refused to pay minimum wage in Rivers State when he was govenror?
Please how much was the minimum wage then when Wike was govenror during his entire tenure of 8 years?



If you said Wike did not promote civil servants in Rivers State, which position and level in Rivers State was Fubara in the civil service when Wike became governor and how did he manage to rise to the top before been made the Accountant General of the State?

Johnson5258:
I don't know where they see people who have issues with reading and comprehension. Any small talk na hate speech.

No mind ham jaaare.