FCT: Minister Threatens To Use Councils IGR To Pay Striking Teachers

By Hudu Yakubu, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, expressed his intention to utilise 10percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from area councils to address the unpaid entitlements of striking teachers.

This announcement follows the resumption of an industrial strike by the FCT Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) over unresolved welfare issues, including the non-payment of significant wage arrears and allowances.

Minister emphasised his commitment to resolving the issue, highlighting previous promises to settle 40percent of the minimum wage arrears, which had been fulfilled. However, he criticised the area council chairmen for failing to pay the remaining 60percent.

To prevent the teachers from being left unpaid, the Minister indicated that he would intervene directly, stating, “I will not fold my hands and allow that to happen.”

The ongoing strike is a continuation of previous actions taken in late 2023 and early 2024, reflecting deep-seated grievances regarding compensation and welfare among teachers in the FCT.

The Minister’s remarks underscore the urgency of addressing the situation to ensure that education is not further disrupted.

Dominica Nwabufo