Wike Issues Ultimatum: Resolve Teachers’ Crisis Or Kiss 10% Allocation Goodbye

Published May 13, 2025 at 6:43 AM

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to deduct 10 percent from the statutory allocations of Area Councils for their failure to implement the new minimum wage for primary school teachers—an issue that has led to an ongoing strike.

This declaration was contained in a press release issued by the FCT Administration on Monday, May 12.

Wike expressed his frustration that, despite earlier interventions and clear directives to the councils to release funds for wage payments, the teachers’ strike has continued, disrupting education across the territory.

He recalled meeting with council chairmen at the onset of the strike to understand their challenges and had instructed the release of necessary funds. However, with no resolution in sight, Wike described the situation as embarrassing.

“I have my limits; I cannot remove them because they were elected. But I’ve decided to withhold 10% of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR),” he said.

To address the crisis, the Minister has set up a committee that will ensure the FCT Administration’s allocated funds go directly to the affected teachers—bypassing the Area Councils if needed.

Wike also hinted at upcoming events to mark the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, though no specific details were given.

The strike, led by members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), has dragged on for several weeks due to the Area Councils’ failure to comply with the new minimum wage. The union insists the strike will only end when all outstanding entitlements are fully paid.