Wike blasts FCT council chairmen over unpaid teachers’ salaries
By Kunle Sanni
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong displeasure over the failure of area council chairmen to pay primary school teachers and council workers the approved national minimum wage, despite the release of necessary funds.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday during an inspection of key road projects in Abuja, scheduled for commissioning in May to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office. His comments followed recent protests by primary school teachers, health workers, and council staff over unpaid salaries and entitlements.
Describing the protests as “unfortunate but justified,” Wike said it was unacceptable that teachers—responsible for educating young children—had gone unpaid after funds were approved and released to the councils.
He emphasized that primary education is the responsibility of the Area Councils and accused them of failing in their duties.
“It’s unfortunate, and we have to tell ourselves the simple truth,” Wike said. “The Area Council Chairmen, after I approved money for them to pay the teachers, failed to do so. I have summoned all of them for an urgent meeting.”
The minister criticized the chairmen for what he called a lack of conscience, questioning how they could be comfortable neglecting teachers’ welfare. He also appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) for patience while efforts are made to resolve the issue.
“I don’t know why people don’t have conscience. These are teachers who take care of our children, and you are happy not paying them. This is the responsibility of the councils. So, I’ve summoned the chairmen and continue to appeal to NUT to give us some time to sort this out,” Wike said.
