The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the immediate implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage for all staff under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). This development was confirmed in a statement signed by Anthony Odeh, Press Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, and released to journalists on Tuesday.

This approval comes after President Bola Tinubu signed the Minimum Wage Bill into law in May 2024, establishing N70,000 as the new minimum wage following negotiations with organized labor.

The FCT Chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had previously threatened to halt activities on November 30, 2024, citing delays in the minimum wage’s implementation. They also criticized the Wike-led administration for its lack of engagement with labor unions since his inauguration in August 2023.

However, in the statement, the minister explained that the payment was approved on November 18, 2024, “in a bid to ameliorate the plight of workers under the employ of Federal Capital Territory Administration.”

In addition, Acting Head of Civil Service for the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, announced that the minister approved three months’ arrears for all staff, effective November 2024. She added, “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.”

The statement highlighted that the move underscores the minister’s commitment to staff welfare and well-being.