ABUJA – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has categorically denied owing salaries to its striking workers, with the Minister’s spokesperson asserting that the government does not owe staff “a dime” and that approved promotion arrears are being processed.
In an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, directly countered the core grievances of the workers. “No salary is being owed. The government is not owing staff of the FCTA and the FCDA a dime in terms of salary,” Olayinka stated, clarifying that only the January 2026 salary is pending, as the month is not yet over.
Addressing the issue of promotion arrears, Olayinka revealed that Minister Wike had approved ₦286.1 million for this purpose in December 2025. “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 questioned.
Olayinka also dismissed claims that the Minister had refused to grant the workers an audience, stating that Wike had delegated senior officials, including the Head of Service, to hold several meetings with union leaders. He reiterated the Minister’s position that 10 out of the workers’ 14 demands had been addressed.
The statements come as workers defy a National Industrial Court order to suspend their strike, with Minister Wike threatening to make defiant workers a “scapegoat” and apply the “big stick” if they fail to resume.
Read more on the strike: NLC Dares Wike on Court Ruling, Vows to Continue FCT Strike
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Disclaimer: This report presents the government’s side of an ongoing industrial dispute, as stated by an official spokesperson. The claims have been contested by the striking workers and their unions.
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