Minister Wike has issued a warning that 10% of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from area councils will be used to pay striking teachers if the situation persists. Discover the implications of this ultimatum for local governments and educators.
The Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared his plan to use ten percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) meant for Area Councils to compensate the primary school teachers who are presently on strike in the territory.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday after a project inspection of the ongoing Apo-Karshi Road project, Wike made this announcement.
He underlined how crucial it is to make sure that kids are not negatively impacted by the strike, which has been going on for more than a week. He said, “No serious government would allow it.”
On September 18, 2024, the teachers went back on strike after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing’s 14-day ultimatum to the Area Council Chairmen expired. They want the minimum wage arrears to be paid back over a 25-month period, as well as the adoption of a 40% peculiar allowance.
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Wike further said that he had called the FCT NUT leadership and the chairs of the Area Councils to a meeting to examine the matter. “Let’s take a seat. I’ve invited the chairmen of the Area Councils and the NUT. These are the topics we discuss. We make every effort to ensure that the system is operating efficiently. I informed the Area Council that it is regrettable.
He went on, “And that will mean that if the instructors aren’t paid, I’ll compensate them with the 10% IGR that nobody paid them. I refuse to stand by and let that happen. I will not put up with it; no responsible government would let its instructors remain at home while the kids are in pain.
The Minister stated that he has been guaranteed by Messrs Kakatar Limited, the contractor, that the Apo-Karshi project will be finished by April 2025. “They keep saying they would have finished this project by April, but I still have my doubts.” We hold this project in high regard and are aware of the significance of this road. A great deal of people are interested in seeing this project finished on schedule since it will reduce traffic and stimulate the local economy. “Let’s extend an olive branch to them,” he continued.
