Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the government cannot allocate all available funds to salaries and allowances while neglecting infrastructure and other development needs.
Wike made the remarks while addressing striking FCT workers under the Joint Union Action Committee, in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by his aide, Lere Olayinka.
He explained the difficulty of balancing workers’ welfare with governance responsibilities, stressing that public funds must also cover roads, vehicles, schools and other essential services.
“Nobody can just bring out the whole money and pay allowances and wages. How will we buy these vehicles? How will we construct the roads? How will we rehabilitate the schools?” Wike asked.
The minister recalled a time when limited funds hindered the activities of a previous FCT administration, leading to public criticism. “And yet, you’ll say, when this minister was there, he couldn’t do anything. How will he do something? Will he go out and print money?” he said.
Wike noted that monthly allocations to the FCT have increased significantly under his watch. “When I came, this FCTA idea was ₦9 billion a month. Today, by the grace of God, we have nothing less than ₦30 billion every month,” he said, questioning how performance should be assessed amid competing demands.
He added that diverting large sums to address long-standing salary issues whenever funds are available is unsustainable. “The moment you see ₦5 billion in the account, you remember that something that was not paid in 2015 must now be paid. That is not the way it is supposed to be,” he said.
The minister urged workers to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressing optimism about the country’s future. “The future of this country, for all of us, is that our President does the best he can do. But we can also support by being progressive-minded,” Wike said.
He also reminded the workers that the strike matter is still before the court and advised compliance with court orders, warning against actions that could amount to contempt.
“It’s unfortunate when people say they will not obey court orders. That means we’re in a lawless society,” he said, adding that the government would pursue legal options against those obstructing official premises.
Wike maintained that the FCT Administration remains open to dialogue, assuring workers that challenges confronting the territory are being addressed gradually.
“The whole essence is to have dialogue where there are problems and say, these ones I can solve now, and others tomorrow. Nobody can solve all problems at once,” he said.
Elijah Adeyemi
