The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disbursed the sum of N4.16bn to the six Area Councils with a directive to implement the new minimum wage immediately and pay all outstanding arrears to their workers.
This was announced by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike during the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration held in Abuja, where he reiterated the administration’s firm commitment to worker welfare across the territory.
While addressing workers at the event, the Minister expressed gratitude to workers for their enduring service and patriotism and acknowledged the economic difficulties currently facing many across the country.
He emphasised that this year’s theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship,” speaks directly to the need for democratic inclusion and transparency, especially during challenging times.
“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing strike action by Area Council employees over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
“I had approved the release of the sum of N4.166,194,061.25 which was paid to the six Area Councils. I once again call on them to ensure the payment of the minimum wage and its arrears to the workers,” the Minister said.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with organised labour, noting that civic space must remain robust through cooperation and mutual respect, even in the face of hardship.
He highlighted his administration’s achievements since assuming office in 2023, the Minister reaffirmed that staff welfare remains a top priority.
He outlined various efforts undertaken to improve the working environment and career progression for FCTA staff, including prompt salary and pension payments with no arrears, the implementation of the new salary structure, and a comprehensive staff training initiative.
“In line with our goal to build a resilient and motivated workforce, we have launched training and re-skilling programmes across all departments. Additionally, we have recruited sixty new medical doctors into residency training across eight specialties in our hospitals,” he stated.
The Minister also pointed to ongoing infrastructural upgrades in secretariats and departments, efforts toward regularising staff status, and the forthcoming promotion exercise as signs of his administration’s dedication to merit and service delivery.
He recognised the role of teachers, particularly those in the Area Councils, the Minister disclosed that work has commenced on the renovation and upgrading of schools, alongside the provision of learning materials to enhance the educational environment for pupils and educators alike.
The Minister commended workers for their resilience and sacrifices and assured them that the FCT Administration would remain a firm ally in their quest for dignity, fairness, and better working conditions.
“It is only through your dedication, sacrifices, and resilience that we are able to build a better future for the FCT and Nigeria at large,” he concluded.
