Strike Over Nothing? Wike’s Aide Says FCTA Workers Are Fully Paid – Nigerians React

The media aide to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has dismissed claims that the administration owes workers any salaries.

Olayinka stated that all employees of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have been paid up to date.

He made the clarification on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, amid the ongoing strike by FCT workers.

The spokesperson added that in December, Minister Wike approved ₦286.1 million for promotion arrears, and the funds are currently being processed for disbursement. He emphasized that the strike is not related to unpaid salaries.

“There’s a perception that the government owes salaries, but that’s not true. No staff of the FCTA or FCDA is owed a dime in salary,” Olayinka said.

He also confirmed that promotion arrears are receiving attention. “The minister has approved the payments, and they are at the treasury level — being processed. What more do you want the minister to do?” he questioned.

Olayinka further rejected claims that Wike refused to meet with the striking workers, noting that union leaders have held several meetings with top officials, including the Head of Service, the Chief of Staff to the minister, the Permanent Secretary of Common Services, and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

“The minister didn’t give you an audience? He sent senior officials to hold multiple meetings with the union leaders. How else do you expect him to meet with you?” he added.

The strike, which began on January 19, disrupted activities across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals. The workers cited ‘unmet demands’ by the FCT administration as the reason for their industrial action.

However, the Minister maintained that 10 of the 14 demands had already been addressed.

The matter was also taken to court, and Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court on Tuesday ordered FCTA workers to suspend the strike pending the hearing of the originating summons.

Following the court ruling, Minister Wike warned that any FCTA staff who fails to resume work from Wednesday, January 28, would face disciplinary action.