By Esther Ososanya
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he withheld the May and June internally generated revenue (IGR) from area councils to help end the prolonged shutdown of FCT primary schools.
Wike disclosed this during a media chat with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, noting that the teachers’ strike, which has lasted months, is tied to ₦18 billion in unpaid salary arrears.
ALSO READ: FCTA Workers Protest, Issue Three-Day Ultimatum
‘We Can’t Keep Watching Schools Shut Down’
Wike explained that although it is the responsibility of local councils to pay teachers, he was forced to act to prevent further disruption of education in the capital.
He said, “We’ve intervened before, even up to 60 per cent, but unless the law is amended, I can’t legally withhold their IGR; still, I had to take action.”
The minister urged the cooperation of the councils and plans to meet with area council chairmen and the striking teachers to resolve the crisis. The shutdown has already sparked public protests across the FCT.
FCTA workers end three-day protest, issue fresh ultimatum
Recall that staff members of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the Joint Union Action Committee, ended their three-day protest on Wednesday.
They have now issued a fresh 21-day ultimatum, within which their demands must be met.
Members of the union commenced the protest on Monday over the non-payment of salaries to staff, the prolonged FCT Primary School teachers’ strike, and the payment of wage awards to health workers, while demanding the sacking of the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh.
The protest followed a statement issued by the President of JUAC, Rifkatu Iortyer, mobilising affiliate unions to join the three-day protest from Monday, June 30, to Wednesday, July 2, 2025, against the “blatant refusal of the FCT minister to address salient issues affecting staff”.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.