Strike: FCTA workers are not owed a dime – Wike’s aide Lere Olayinka
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially denied claims that it owes salaries to its workforce following a week of industrial action. Speaking on Wednesday, Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for the FCT Minister, clarified that the administration remains up to date with its financial obligations to staff.
“There is this mindset that it’s because the government is owing salaries. No salary is being owed. The government is not owing staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) a dime in terms of salary,” Olayinka stated.
Regarding the demand for promotion arrears, the spokesperson confirmed that Minister Nyesom Wike has already authorized the necessary disbursements. “As at December last year, the minister already approved ₦286.1 million for the payment of these arrears. The minister has approved, and it’s at the treasury level, payment is being processed. What else do you want the minister to do?” he asked.
The administration also dismissed allegations that the Minister refused to negotiate with union leaders, citing numerous high-level delegations sent to the bargaining table. “The minister did not give you an audience? He sent people led by the Head of Service to hold meetings — several meetings with the union leaders,” Olayinka explained.
The strike, which began on January 19, had paralyzed activities across secretariats and agencies within the nation’s capital. Minister Wike previously noted that the administration had already met 10 out of the 14 demands presented by the unions, questioning the continued necessity of the shutdown by asking, “So what then is the issue?”
The legal tide turned on Tuesday when the National Industrial Court ordered the immediate suspension of the strike. Justice Emmanuel Subilim ruled that all industrial actions must cease once a dispute has been officially referred to the court for determination.
In response to the ruling, Minister Wike has directed all employees to resume their duties immediately or face disciplinary measures. He maintains that the government has acted in good faith and suggested that the ongoing protests may be fueled by issues beyond the official demands
