Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has affirmed the administration’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with striking workers, while maintaining that intimidation will not influence government decisions.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja following a court order directing workers to return to their duties, Wike emphasized that the administration had addressed most legitimate worker demands before seeking judicial intervention.
Clarifying the situation, the minister noted that while the government respects workers’ rights, certain demands exceeded reasonable entitlements.
“This strike situation isn’t new. The administration has reasonably addressed workers’ concerns. However, we must acknowledge that some demands are unreasonable and extend beyond legitimate worker entitlements,” Wike explained.
He revealed that the administration initially prioritized dialogue over legal action, choosing not to immediately pursue court intervention when the industrial action commenced.
“We chose engagement over confrontation initially. However, when it became apparent that politicians were attempting to manipulate the strike for their purposes, legal intervention became necessary,” the minister stated.
Wike explained that court involvement ensured impartial assessment of the issues, preventing propaganda from overshadowing facts.
“Democracy guarantees protest rights. However, strikes should be a final resort. When workers request 14 days and government responds within 10, there should be mutual understanding,” he said.
Drawing on his experience as former governor and local government chairman, Wike acknowledged understanding labour concerns but cautioned against expecting immediate implementation of all demands.
“Legitimate demands deserve government acknowledgment. However, implementation requires time. Government honors legitimate entitlements, particularly wages,” he assured.
The minister dismissed social media claims alleging he fled his office during the strike, calling them politically motivated fabrications.
“I maintained my regular schedule—working from my office, meeting the President, traveling to Turkey, and returning. These stories are completely false,” he clarified.
Addressing FCT’s financial constraints, Wike disclosed that the territory receives only one percent of federal revenue, making statutory allocation insufficient for operations.
“From ₦1 trillion federal earnings, FCT receives approximately ₦10 billion. Yet January salaries alone exceeded ₦12 billion. This demonstrates that allocation cannot cover salaries and administrative costs,” he explained, emphasizing reliance on Internally Generated Revenue.
He reported IGR growth from approximately ₦9 billion at his assumption of office to ₦30 billion—progress he believes workers should recognize.
Wike highlighted administrative achievements including establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointing permanent secretaries, and creating the Head of Service office.
“Previously, workers’ career progression stopped at director level. These structural improvements were absent. Revenue cannot solely fund wages while neglecting infrastructure development,” he reasoned.
Following the court ruling suspending the strike, Wike warned of disciplinary consequences for non-compliant workers.
“Legal disobedience carries consequences. Beginning tomorrow, workers failing to resume duties face disciplinary action. Those obstructing government facilities will face full legal prosecution,” he warned.
He disputed claims of collapsed dialogue between the administration and unions, insisting engagement remained ongoing with his authorization.
“This administration won’t be paralyzed through intimidation or political manipulation. Nigeria operates under the rule of law,” Wike declared.
The minister pledged FCT Administration compliance with the court decision and urged all parties to follow suit, reaffirming commitment to lawful dispute resolution and continued territorial reforms.
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