The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has authorized the immediate implementation of the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 for all employees under the FCT administration.
This announcement was made public in a statement released by Anthony Odeh, the Press Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, on Tuesday.
Recall that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) chapters in the FCT had recently threatened a shutdown of government activities on November 30, 2024, citing delayed action on the implementation of the minimum wage.
The unions also criticized the Wike-led administration for allegedly neglecting to engage with labor representatives since Wike assumed office in August 2023.
However, the statement clarified that Minister Wike approved the payment of the new wage structure on Monday, November 18, 2024, as part of efforts to alleviate the financial burdens faced by FCT workers. It further noted that the minister’s decision includes the disbursement of three months’ arrears for all administration staff, effective immediately from November 2024.
The Acting Head of Civil Service for the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, applauded the move, emphasizing its significance in boosting worker morale and fostering support for the administration’s goals.
“This gesture will further inspire the entire staff of the administration to rally behind the minister in his quest to actualize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.
