Strike: “We Don’t Owe Workers A Dime, What More Do You Want?” – Wike’s Aide

The media aide to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has dismissed claims that the administration owes workers any salaries. According to Olayinka, all employees of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have been fully paid up to date.

He stated that in December last year, Minister Wike approved ₦286.1 million for the payment of promotion arrears, and the funds are already being processed for disbursement. Olayinka emphasized that the ongoing strike cannot be linked to unpaid salaries.

“There is a perception that the strike is due to unpaid salaries. No salary is being owed. The government does not owe FCTA or FCDA staff a dime,” he said. He added that payment of promotion arrears is already underway. “The minister has approved the payment, which is now at the treasury level. What more do you expect him to do?” he asked.

Olayinka also refuted claims that Minister Wike did not meet with workers, noting that union leaders have held several meetings with top officials, including the Head of Service, the Chief of Staff to the minister, the Permanent Secretary of Common Services, and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

“The minister did not give you an audience? He delegated officials to meet with the union leaders multiple times. How else do you expect him to engage?” he questioned.

Workers of the FCTA and FCDA began a strike on January 19, citing ‘unmet demands’ by the FCT administration, affecting all secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals. The minister, however, stated that 10 of the 14 demands had already been addressed.

Following a court intervention, Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court ordered workers to suspend the strike pending the hearing of the originating summons. The FCT Minister warned that any employee who fails to resume duties from Wednesday, January 28, would face disciplinary action.