Barrister Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has threatened to compensate striking elementary school teachers in the nation’s capital with 10% of internally generated revenue (IGR) that is intended for area councils.
Wike, who stated this on Thursday, on the sidelines of an Inspection of the ongoing Apo-Karshi Road project, said he would not allow children to be affected by the strike, which has gone on for over a week, adding that no serious government would allow it.
Recall that the teachers had resumed their strike on Wednesday, 18th September 2024, following a 14-day ultimatum previously issued to the Area Council Chairmen by the FCT Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
The teachers are demanding among others, the implementation of 40% Peculiar Allowance, and payment of 25 months Minimum Wage Arrears.
The Minister added that he had invited the chairmen of the six area councils and the FCT NUT leadership to discuss the issue.
According to him, “I have invited the Area Council Chairmen and then I’ve invited the NUT, and let’s sit down. These are the things we talked about.
We’ll make every effort to ensure that the system is operating efficiently. I informed the chairmen of the area councils that the teachers’ strike was regrettable.
This implies that in the event that the teachers are not paid, I will use the 10% IGR that no one has given them to cover their expenses. I refuse to stand by and let that happen.
I will not put up with that; no responsible government would let its instructors remain at home while the kids are in pain.”
