The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has approved the immediate implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000 for all FCT administration staff.

This development was confirmed in a statement issued by Anthony Odeh, the Press Secretary to the FCT Head of Civil Service, on Tuesday.

President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage bill into law in May 2024 after extensive negotiations with labor unions. Despite this, implementation in some states, including the FCT, had been delayed, prompting threats of a nationwide strike from labor unions.

The FCT chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress had recently issued a November 30 ultimatum to shut down activities if the minimum wage was not implemented. The unions had also expressed concerns over the minister’s lack of engagement with labor representatives since his inauguration in August 2023.

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In response to these concerns, Wike approved the payment on November 18, 2024, as part of efforts to address workers’ grievances. Additionally, he authorized the payment of three months’ arrears, effective immediately.

Mrs. Grace Adayilo, Acting Head of Civil Service for the FCT, praised the move, stating, “This gesture will further motivate administration staff to support the minister in achieving the objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The statement emphasized the minister’s commitment to the welfare of FCT staff, noting that the decision is aimed at alleviating workers’ financial burdens and ensuring smooth relations with organized labor.

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