By Abigail Philip David
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has given the green light for the immediate implementation of a new minimum wage of N70,000 for all FCT administration staff.
This announcement was made in a statement issued by Anthony Odeh, the Press Secretary to the Head of Civil Service of the FCT, on Tuesday.
The move follows President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Minimum Wage Bill into law in May 2024, establishing N70,000 as the minimum wage after extensive negotiations with labor unions.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the FCT had previously threatened to disrupt activities on November 30, 2024, in response to delayed implementation of the minimum wage in various states, including the FCT. The unions had also criticized the Wike administration for not engaging with labor representatives since his inauguration in August 2023.
However, on Monday, November 18, 2024, Wike approved the payment of the new wage, alongside three months’ arrears, starting in November 2024. According to the Acting Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, this decision aims to improve the welfare of FCT workers and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This gesture will inspire the administration staff to further support the minister’s efforts in delivering on the president’s vision,” Adayilo added.
The approval underscores the minister’s commitment to addressing workers’ welfare and fostering collaboration with labor unions.
