By Precious Momoh
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) workers can now look forward to improved salaries as Minister Nyesom Wike has approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) staff. The announcement came on November 19, 2024, through the Acting Head of Civil Service of FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, during a statement released by her press secretary, Anthony Odeh.
The new wage structure will take effect immediately and includes the payment of three months’ arrears, starting from November 2024. The minister’s decision aligns with the federal government’s recent wage increment, aimed at addressing economic challenges and improving the welfare of civil servants across Nigeria.
Welfare Boost Amidst Labour Threats
The approval comes amid mounting pressure from labor unions. The FCT chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had threatened to shut down administrative activities by the end of November 2024 if the wage increase was not implemented. This move was seen as a response to the growing unrest among workers over delays in enforcing the minimum wage policy in some states, including the FCT.
In her statement, Mrs. Adayilo highlighted that the gesture demonstrates Wike’s commitment to alleviating the challenges faced by FCTA employees. “This gesture will further spur the entire administration staff to support the minister in continuing to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” she remarked.
Alignment with National Policy
The ₦70,000 wage approval aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive earlier in 2024, which raised the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 as part of measures to mitigate the economic effects of subsidy removal. The federal government has earmarked ₦6.56 trillion in personnel costs for 2025 to cover the implementation of the policy nationwide.
This development also reflects efforts to build harmonious relationships with labor unions. It is expected to foster enhanced productivity and morale among FCTA staff, paving the way for efficient delivery of public services under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
