Crisis In The Capital: Wike Moves Fast As FCT Teachers’ Strike Sparks Tensions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has convened an urgent meeting with chairmen of the FCT area councils and leaders of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, to tackle the ongoing strike by primary school teachers over unresolved welfare concerns.

Wike announced the meeting on Thursday in Abuja during an inspection of key infrastructure projects tied to the upcoming second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

His remarks came in response to the teachers’ protest held earlier on Wednesday. Expressing deep concern, Wike called the situation “very unfortunate,” questioning the integrity of the area council chairmen who failed to pay teachers’ entitlements despite receiving designated funds.

“I received a report yesterday, and I’ve summoned them all for a meeting,” Wike disclosed, visibly displeased. “I can’t understand how people can be comfortable knowing that teachers—who mold our children’s future—have not been paid their salaries.”

He stressed that the administration of primary schools falls squarely under the area councils’ responsibility, not the FCT Administration, and urged the NUT to give him a short window to address the issue decisively.

Earlier, NUT Chairman Abdullahi Shafa, who led the protest, acknowledged Wike’s interventions, including the disbursement of ₦4.1 billion to area councils for teacher salaries. However, he accused the council chairmen of misappropriating the funds and urged both the National Assembly and the EFCC to step in and ensure accountability.