Thu Sep 26 14:10:49 UTC 2024: ## FCT Minister Threatens to Use IGR to Pay Striking Teachers
**Abuja, Nigeria** – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has threatened to use 10% of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) meant for the Area Councils to pay striking primary school teachers in the FCT. This comes after teachers resumed their strike on Wednesday, September 18th, following a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Area Council Chairmen by the FCT Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
The teachers are demanding a 40% peculiar allowance and payment of 25 months of minimum wage arrears.
Wike, speaking after inspecting the ongoing Apo-Karshi Road project on Thursday, stated that he would not allow children to be affected by the strike. He said, “I will not fold my arms and allow that to happen. No serious government will allow their teachers to stay at home while the children are suffering.”
The minister has invited both the Chairmen of the Area Councils and the FCT NUT leadership to discuss the issue. He emphasized the need to resolve the situation quickly, saying, “We try to do what we can to see that the system is moving well.”
In addition to the teacher strike, the minister also discussed the Apo-Karshi Road project, noting that the contractor, Messrs Khakatar Limited, has assured completion by April 2025. While expressing doubts about the timeline, Wike acknowledged the importance of the project, saying, “Let us give them the benefit of the doubt.”
First Piper 