Furious Wike Slams Council Bosses: ‘You’re Comfortable While Teachers Suffer!

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized Area Council Chairmen for failing to pay council workers, including primary school teachers, the approved minimum wage.

Wike’s reaction followed widespread protests by primary school teachers, council workers, and healthcare staff over the non-payment of their minimum wage and other entitlements.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday during his inspection of key road projects set to be commissioned in May 2025—marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office—Wike described the protests as regrettable.

He expressed frustration over the councils’ failure to pay teachers, who are responsible for educating the nation’s young children, even after he had approved funds for that purpose.

The minister appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to remain patient, assuring that the chairmen have been urgently summoned for a meeting.

“It’s really unfortunate, and the truth must be told. Despite approving the release of funds to the Area Council Chairmen to pay the teachers, they still failed to do so. I received a report on Wednesday and have summoned all of them,” Wike said.

“I don’t understand how people can be so heartless—these are the same teachers who nurture our children, yet they’re being denied their salaries. These are primary school teachers, not secondary. The councils are directly responsible for them. I’ve called for a meeting with the chairmen and ask the NUT to be patient a little longer—this issue will be resolved.”