The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has firmly denied allegations of unpaid salaries to its workforce, amidst the ongoing industrial action that has disrupted operations across Abuja. The clarification came from Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to the FCT Minister, during a televised interview on Wednesday.
No Salary Arrears Owed to FCTA and FCDA Staff
In a statement on Channels Television's The Morning Brief, Olayinka emphasized that the strike is not linked to any salary defaults. He categorically stated that the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) are not indebted to their employees in terms of monthly remuneration.
"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 declared.
He further explained that the only salary potentially outstanding is for January 2026, which he noted has not yet fallen due as the month is still in progress, thus not constituting a debt.
Promotion Arrears and Ministerial Approvals
Addressing one of the key grievances raised by the striking workers, Olayinka highlighted that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has already taken steps to resolve promotion arrears. According to him, the minister approved ₦286.1 million in December last year specifically for this purpose.
"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 questioned.
Engagement with Workers and Delegated Meetings
Olayinka also refuted claims that Minister Wike has refused to engage directly with the workers. He clarified that the minister has delegated senior officials to hold discussions with union leaders on his behalf.
"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, the Head of Service, Chief of Staff to the minister, Permanent Secretary of Common Services, and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission," Olayinka stated.
He added, "Those are the people the minister sent, and you are saying the minister did not give you an audience. How else do you want him to give you one?"
Background of the Strike and Court Intervention
The industrial action commenced on January 19, with FCTA and FCDA workers citing unmet demands that led to the shutdown of activities across various secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals in Abuja. Minister Wike had previously indicated that out of 14 demands presented by the workers, 10 had already been addressed, raising questions about the persistence of the strike.
In a legal development, the National Industrial Court, under Justice Emmanuel Subilim, issued an order on Tuesday directing the workers to suspend the strike pending the hearing and determination of the case filed by the FCT Minister. The court ruled that once a dispute is referred to the National Industrial Court, any ongoing industrial action must cease immediately.
Minister's Warning and Underlying Issues
Following the court ruling, Minister Wike issued a stern warning to FCTA employees, stating that any worker who fails to resume duty from Wednesday, January 28, would face disciplinary measures. He reiterated that his administration has engaged with the unions and addressed their grievances, while suggesting there might be underlying issues beyond the officially presented demands.
The situation remains tense as the FCTA maintains its stance on salary payments and continues to process promotion arrears, with the court order adding a legal dimension to the ongoing labor dispute in the nation's capital.
