– primary Schools fall under the Purview of the Area Councils…
By Ola Kay
As part of efforts to resolve the ongoing strike action by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over the non-payment of their entitlements and the new minimum wage, Minister of the FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has invited the Area Council Chairmen to an urgent meeting.
The Minister disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, April 24, 2025, during a routine inspection of key road infrastructure projects scheduled for commissioning in May to mark the second year in office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Earlier, the FCT teachers and workers had carried their protests to the office of the minister to register their frustrations in getting their entitlements.
During the meeting, Barr. Wike described the strike action by the teachers and council workers as unfortunate, stating that the Area Council Chairmen had failed to pay the teachers despite releasing approved funds.
The Minister further expressed dismay over the non-payment of the entitlements of the primary school teachers who are responsible for the education of young children, emphasizing that primary schools fall under the purview of the Area Councils.
Wike appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience while the issues were being resolved.
“It is unfortunate and we have to tell ourselves the simple truth. The Area Council Chairmen, after I have approved money to be sent to them for them to be able to pay the teachers, they were unable to do that. In fact, I got the report yesterday and I have been able to summon all of them,” Wike emphasized.
Continuing, the Minister said, “I don’t know why people don’t have conscience that these are teachers who take care of our children and you are happy that you are not paying them their salaries. This is primary school teachers, not secondary school teachers. It’s the responsibility of the councils; they are in charge of the primary schools. So, I have summoned them to a meeting and also continue to appeal to NUT to give them some time that these things will be sorted out”.
He seized the occasion give updates on several key road projects already inspected, including the OSEX left-hand service carriageway, the N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) interchange and the full scope development of the Arterial Road N5 from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work and reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to meet its obligations to ensure timely completion.
Wike said “Generally, we are happy with the quality of work that is being carried out by all the contractors. We on our part will do everything possible to keep to our own obligation so that they will not find excuses why they were unable to fulfil their own obligation.”
On costs of the projects, Barr Wike stated that the financial details would be provided during an account of stewardship. He however disclosed the virement of approximately N10 billion by the National Assembly for the N5 road project, expressing confidence that the funds will be utilized effectively before the expiration of the 2024 budget.
The minister also declared that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President and are beneficial to the FCT residents.
“I think we are happy that it will be part of the anniversary for Mr. President. Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda is working and people are happy with what they are seeing,” he stated.
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