Wike Defends Withholding of Area Councils’ IGR to Pay Teachers’ Salaries

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the decision to withhold 10 per cent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of area councils in the territory.

Wike said the funds are being used to offset salary arrears owed to primary school teachers, a move he described as necessary to end recurring industrial actions in the education sector.

Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister dismissed criticisms of the policy, insisting that the intervention was in the best interest of residents.

“Nobody is complaining because those affected understand what is going on. We are collecting 10 per cent for a defined period to solve a problem that has kept our children at home,” he said.

He explained that the withheld funds are being directly channelled towards clearing outstanding entitlements owed to teachers, particularly at the primary school level, where salary arrears and poor welfare conditions have led to repeated strikes.

“Our children have been at home because teachers are not paid. That is unacceptable. We have to step in and ensure that these obligations are met,” he added.

Wike noted that the arrangement involves structured monthly payments aimed at settling accumulated liabilities, stressing that the FCT Administration would not allow the situation to persist.

“We are paying a fixed amount every month until the arrears are cleared. If we return that money without solving the problem, the strikes will continue. We will not allow that,” he said.

The minister rejected claims that the deductions could hinder infrastructure development or affect contractors’ payments, arguing that education and human capital development must take priority.

“What is the use of building infrastructure when children are not in school? Education is critical, and we must fix it first,” he stated.

He further maintained that the intervention became necessary because many area councils lacked the capacity to independently resolve the crisis.

“Some of these councils cannot handle the burden. That is why we stepped in. The goal is simple — get the teachers back to the classrooms and stabilise the system,” he said.

Wike assured that the measure is temporary and targeted, reiterating the administration’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with social services.

“This is not forever. It is a solution to a specific problem, and once it is resolved, normal processes will continue,” he added.