Strike: Wike signs ₦12bn January salaries, rejects blackmail

Nyesom Wike, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has approved the payment of over ₦12 billion as January salaries for workers of the FCT Administration, following the court order suspending the strike.

Wike announced while addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, shortly after the court delivered its ruling.

He said the administration had already addressed most of the workers’ legitimate demands and added that approaching the court became necessary after the strike was influenced by political interests.

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“I have just signed January salaries amounting to over ₦12 billion,” Wike said.

He explained that the FCT receives only one per cent of federal revenue. “If the Federal Government earns ₦1 trillion in a month, the FCT’s share is about ₦10 billion, which is insufficient to fully cover salary obligations and administrative costs,” he said.

The minister said the government initially chose dialogue when the strike began and did not immediately seek legal action.

“Our first approach was engagement because we believed the issues could be resolved through discussion. We went to court only after it became clear that political interference had entered the matter,” he said.

While acknowledging workers’ right to protest, Wike said strike action should be a last resort.

“Protest is allowed, but when government responds to workers’ demands, there should be understanding,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor and local government chairman, Wike said he understands labour issues but cautioned against expectations that cannot be met immediately.

“Legitimate demands should be recognised, but implementation may take time. Government does not deny lawful entitlements, particularly salaries,” he said.

The minister dismissed reports that he was forced out of his office during the strike, describing them as false.

“I was in my office, travelled to see Mr President, went to Turkey, and returned. Claims that I was chased out are not true,” he said.

On revenue, Wike said Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the FCT has increased from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office to approximately ₦30 billion.

“IGR growth supports salary payments, reforms, and development,” he said.

He also listed reforms under the current administration, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the appointment of permanent secretaries, and the creation of the Office of the Head of Service.

“Previously, officers retired at director level. They can now progress to Permanent Secretary. These reforms were implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said.

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He added that government spending must balance personnel costs with infrastructure development across the territory.

Following the court order suspending the strike, the minister warned that failure to comply would result in disciplinary action.

“Any worker who fails to resume duty will face sanctions. Attempts to block access to government facilities will be handled according to the law,” he said.

Wike rejected claims that dialogue had broken down, stating that engagement with labour unions has continued with his approval.

“No amount of blackmail or political pressure will disrupt this administration. We will obey the court order, and all parties are expected to do the same,” he said.

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