In a significant development, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the immediate payment of N70,000 as the new minimum wage for all administration staff.
This move follows President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Minimum Wage Bill into law in May 2024.
The approval comes after months of negotiation with organized labour and the threat of a nationwide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. The unions had alleged the Wike-led administration’s failure to meet with them since his inauguration in August 2023.
According to the Press Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Anthony Odeh, Wike approved the payment on Monday, November 18, 2024. The Acting Head of Civil Service of FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, disclosed that the minister also approved a three-month arrears payment for all staff, effective November 2024.
“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,” said Mrs. Adayilo.
Other states, such as Jigawa, Ebonyi, and Benue, have also approved the N70,000 minimum wage ¹ ². Governor Abiodun of Ogun State has approved N77,000 as the minimum wage ³. These developments indicate a nationwide effort to implement the new minimum wage.
The FCT administration’s move is expected to alleviate the plight of its staff and boost their morale.
