“Strike has never solved any problem; rather it has created more problems. So, I believe that within a short time, we will sort it out.”
These were the remarks of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike, when he addressed newsmen today, February 13, on the ongoing strike action by primary school teachers in the federal city. The teachers are demanding from the six Area Council Administration, the immediate implementation of the new national minimum wage.
Wike told newsmen that when the information got to him about the strike, he asked the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud to find out why the teachers were on strike, saying: “it is not good. We are talking about the interest of Nigerians, not the interest of a few.
The Minister acknowledged the teachers’ demands for the implementation of the national minimum wage, assuring that the administration will work with the Area Councils to ensure compliance.
He said: “It’s really unfortunate that they have gone on strike over this issue of minimum wage. But we will make sure that the teachers will go back. We will do everything we can to see that the Area Councils implement the minimum wage as approved by the National Assembly.”
However, the Minister emphasized the importance of dialogue and consultation, urging the teachers to also consider the impact that the strike will have on the FCT children.
“I have also said that the teachers should also know that we are talking about the impact; before you go on strike like this, have proper dialogue and consultation.”
