FCT Minister Wike Approves Immediate Implementation Of N70,000 Minimum Wage
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for all staff under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). This was announced in a statement signed by Anthony Odeh, the Press Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, and shared with journalists on Tuesday.
The approval follows the new Minimum Wage Bill signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2024, which increased the minimum wage to N70,000 after extensive negotiations with organized labour unions.
Labour Tensions Addressed
Prior to this announcement, the FCT chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had threatened to shut down activities on November 30, 2024, in line with a nationwide strike directive from the unions’ national leadership. The unions alleged that some states and the FCT had delayed implementing the new wage structure.
The unions had also criticized the Wike-led administration for not engaging with labour representatives since his inauguration in August 2023, a situation that heightened tensions.
Wike’s Proactive Measures
The Acting Head of Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, revealed that Wike approved the payment of the new wage on November 18, 2024, along with three months’ arrears to all FCTA staff, effective immediately.
“This gesture will further spur the entire administration staff to support the minister in continuing to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Adayilo said.
The statement also emphasized that the move demonstrates Wike’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of FCTA staff, aligning with the federal government’s push for improved living standards for workers nationwide.
A Step Toward Industrial Harmony
The approval of the new wage and payment of arrears is expected to ease the strain between the administration and labour unions in the FCT. It also underscores the administration’s recognition of the vital role of civil servants in implementing government policies and achieving developmental goals.
This development comes at a critical time as the FCTA aims to maintain industrial harmony while delivering on its mandate under the Renewed Hope Agenda. With the NLC and TUC monitoring compliance across the country, Wike’s swift action could set a positive precedent for other states yet to fully implement the new minimum wage.
