Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified his decision to withhold the internally generated revenue (IGR) of FCT area councils for the months of May and June, stating it was a necessary measure to address the prolonged shutdown of primary schools in Abuja.
Speaking during a media chat on Thursday, Wike said the move was prompted by the ongoing strike by primary school teachers, who are demanding payment of outstanding salary arrears totaling approximately ₦18 billion.
He emphasized that, although the responsibility for primary education lies with the area councils, the FCT administration has repeatedly intervened to prevent service disruptions.
“It is the duty of the area councils to handle primary education. While we respect their autonomy, we’ve had to step in several times. On one occasion, we covered about 60 percent of the teachers’ wage burden. I cannot unilaterally act outside the law unless it is amended. Technically, it is illegal to withhold the councils’ 10 percent IGR for May and June,” Wike explained.
He appealed to stakeholders to collaborate in resolving the crisis and restoring normalcy to public education in the FCT.
Primary school teachers in the FCT have been on strike for several months over unpaid wages, resulting in widespread protests. Wike is scheduled to meet with area council chairpersons and representatives of the striking teachers later today to find a lasting solution.
