Wike Urges Realism as FCT Teachers’ Strike Persists Amid Budget Constraints

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has responded to the ongoing teachers' strike in Abuja, emphasizing that while the administration has taken steps to intervene, some of the demands made by the teachers are unrealistic. He explained that due to financial challenges, salaries will be paid in phases.

During his monthly media chat on Thursday in Abuja, Wike expressed concern over the rising wage bill, stating that the FCT Administration employs nearly 50,000 workers, with a monthly salary expenditure of N13 billion.

He pointed out that the federal government allocates only 1% of its N800 billion annual revenue to the FCT—approximately N8 billion—which is insufficient to meet the financial demands brought on by the new minimum wage.

Wike also questioned the rationale behind teachers locking school gates while continuing to receive salaries, calling for a more pragmatic approach to resolving the ongoing industrial action.

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