JUST IN: FCT Workers Rejoice As Minister Wike Approves New Minimum Wage

FCT Workers Rejoice As Minister Wike Approves New Minimum Wage Written By Oshiobugie John– The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has brought cheer to administration staff by approving the immediate implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000. This announcement was made in a statement issued by Anthony Odeh, Press Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, and shared with journalists on Tuesday, November 19.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the statement, Minister Wike granted the approval on Monday, November 18, 2024, as part of efforts to alleviate the financial burden on FCT Administration workers. The Acting Head of Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, also revealed that the minister had authorized the payment of three months’ arrears for all staff, effective from November 2024.

Mrs. Adayilo noted, “This gesture will further inspire all administration staff to support the minister in fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The statement emphasized that this move underscores Minister Wike’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of workers in the FCT. This decision comes amid growing tensions with the FCT chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), who had threatened to shut down activities by November 30, 2024. The labor unions had alleged that the Wike-led administration failed to engage with them since his inauguration in August 2023.

It is worth noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the new Minimum Wage Bill into law in May 2024, establishing N70,000 as the minimum wage after extensive negotiations with organized labor. Minister Wike’s approval aligns with the federal mandate, ensuring that FCT workers benefit from the new wage structure. This development is expected to ease tensions and foster a stronger collaboration between the administration and its workforce, as workers celebrate this significant step forward in their welfare.