FCT teachers strike: Wike sets up 6-man committee to resolve NULGE, Area Councils dispute

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken steps to address the ongoing dispute between local government employees and the six Area Councils in the FCT. A six-man committee has been established to resolve the issues raised by local government employees, particularly concerning unpaid allowances and deductions.

The disputes revolve around the following concerns raised by local government employees and primary school teachers:

1. Unresolved Allowances and Deductions: Local government employees are seeking the resolution of outstanding allowances and deductions that have not been addressed.
2. Solidarity Strike: Local government employees planned to go on strike on October 2 in solidarity with primary school teachers who had already embarked on an indefinite strike on September 11. The primary school teachers’ strike is related to unpaid 40% peculiar allowances and other outstanding allowances, non-payment of arrears of the 2019 approved national minimum wage, promotion-related issues, and more.
3. Non-Compliance with Agreements: The employees allege non-compliance with agreements, including payments of backlog entitlements and other issues.

Minister Wike confirmed the establishment of the committee and stated that it has been given two weeks to submit a report outlining the modalities for resolving the problems. He expressed hope that the issues would be addressed within 48 hours to ensure the interests of the entire FCT are safeguarded.

Bitrus Garki, Secretary of the Area Council Service Secretariat, FCT Administration, explained that the committee consists of members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), directors of finance from the six Area Councils, and officials from the FCT Administration. The goal is to find lasting solutions to the problems raised by the employees.

The establishment of the committee and the commitment to resolving the issues demonstrate the government’s recognition of the importance of addressing the concerns of local government employees and primary school teachers in the FCT. It is hoped that the resolution process will lead to improved working conditions and better relations between employees and the local government councils.