Rita Odafe
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike, the Minister overseeing the Federal Capital Territory, has announced the implementation of a new minimum wage set at ₦70,000 for all employees working within the FCT administration.
This announcement was made in a statement issued by Anthony Odeh, Press Secretary to the Head of Civil Service for the FCT, and shared with the media on Tuesday.
In May 2024, President Bola Tinubu enacted the ₦70,000 minimum wage law following extensive discussions with labor representatives. Nevertheless, certain regions, especially the FCT, have been criticized for not promptly adopting this decision.
Labor organizations, such as the FCT divisions of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have recently threatened to initiate a strike on November 30, 2024, as part of a larger national protest regarding the wage issue.
The unions claimed that Wike’s administration had not held any discussions with labor leaders since he took office in August 2023.
The statement revealed that Wike’s approval for the new wage took place on Monday, November 18, 2024, as a means to address the challenges faced by workers and enhance their living standards.
“To alleviate the struggles of employees within the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the minister has sanctioned the implementation of the minimum wage,” the statement noted.
Furthermore, the Acting Head of Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, mentioned that Wike has also authorized the distribution of three months’ worth of arrears, effective from November 2024.
