The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the immediate implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000 for all staff of the FCT Administration.

This announcement was made in a statement issued by Anthony Odeh, Press Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, and shared with journalists on Tuesday.

It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu signed the new Minimum Wage Bill into law in May 2024, setting N70,000 as the minimum wage for workers after extensive negotiations with organized labour.

The PUNCH reports that the FCT chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had threatened to halt operations on November 30, 2024. This action was in line with directives from the national leadership of the unions to embark on a nationwide strike over the delayed implementation of the minimum wage in some states, including the FCT. The unions had also criticized the Wike administration for not engaging with labour representatives since his inauguration in August 2023.

According to the statement, Wike approved the payment of the new minimum wage on Monday, November 18, 2024, “to alleviate the hardships faced by workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration.”

The Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, revealed that the minister also approved the payment of three months’ arrears for all administration staff, effective from November 2024.

“This gesture will further motivate the entire administration staff to support the minister in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Mrs. Adayilo stated.

The statement emphasized that the decision reflects the minister’s dedication to the welfare and well-being of the FCT Administration workforce.