The Digest:
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that fully meeting the financial demands of striking FCT Administration workers would prevent the government from funding critical infrastructure. Addressing the impasse during the launch of new ambulances, Wike explained that while the FCT's monthly wage bill is N12 billion, the territory receives only 1% of federal revenue, limiting available funds. He highlighted efforts to triple internally generated revenue to N30 billion but argued that allocating all resources to salaries and allowances would halt road construction and vehicle procurement. The strike, which began on January 19 over unpaid arrears and allowances, continues despite a court order for its suspension.
Key Points
- The statement forces a public choice between immediate worker welfare and long-term public infrastructure development, affecting all residents.
- It directly challenges the financial feasibility of the workers' demands within the current fiscal framework of the FCT.
- Striking workers face continued non-payment and potential legal action, while the administration prioritizes visible capital projects over personnel costs.
- The rationale exposes the fundamental tension in governance between recurrent expenditure and capital development, especially in revenue-constrained entities.
- Wike's public justification, amid an ongoing strike and court proceedings, aims to shape public opinion and position the government as a responsible steward of limited funds.
The minister's stance solidifies the government's negotiating position, framing the dispute as a strict trade-off between worker compensation and public service delivery.
Sources: Vanguard, The Nation
