WIKE DEFENDS WITHOLDING OF 10% IGR MEANT FOR AREA COUNCIL, SAYS FUNDS TARGETED AT PAYMENT OF TEACHERS’ SALARY IN FCT

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the decision to withhold 10 per cent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) allocated to area councils, saying the funds are being used to settle outstanding salaries owed to primary school teachers in the FCT.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike said the move became necessary to address the prolonged salary crisis that has repeatedly led to teachers’ strikes and disrupted academic activities in primary schools across the territory.

According to the minister, the affected councils are aware of the reason behind the deductions, stressing that the intervention is aimed at returning children to the classrooms and restoring stability in the education sector.

Wike explained that the withheld funds are being used to offset unpaid salaries and other entitlements owed to teachers, adding that the FCT Administration has already begun structured monthly payments to clear the backlog.

He maintained that allowing schools to remain shut because of unpaid wages was unacceptable, insisting that the welfare of teachers and uninterrupted learning for pupils must take priority.

The minister also dismissed concerns that the deductions could slow down infrastructure projects or affect contractors handling government jobs, arguing that investment in education is equally important.

According to him, some area councils lacked the financial capacity to tackle the salary crisis on their own, which made the intervention by the FCT Administration necessary.

Wike further assured residents that the policy is temporary and would end once the salary arrears are fully cleared and stability is restored to the education system.