Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate payment of N70,000, the new minimum wage, for all administration staff.

The move comes after President Bola Tinubu signed the new Minimum Wage Bill into law in May 2024, following months of negotiation with organized labour.

The approval was announced in a statement signed by Anthony Odeh, Press Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Wike approved the payment of the minimum wage on Monday, November 18, 2024, to alleviate the plight of workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The Acting Head of Civil Service of FCT, Mrs Grace Adayilo, disclosed that the minister also approved for payment of three months’ arrears for all staff of the administration with effect from November 2024.

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed frustration with Nigeria’s existing procurement law, which he claims is a major hindrance to the swift execution of critical infrastructure projects in Abuja.

Wike raised these concerns during the official launch of the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) development from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in Abuja on Friday.

Describing the law as “our major headache,” Wike explained how the current regulatory framework slows down approvals for project procurements, sometimes stretching the process for up to four months.

“Yes, [the procurement law] is to protect and make sure our money is safe,” Wike remarked, “but then, if you look at the overall situation, it drags us backwards.”

Wike argued that amending the procurement law could reduce these bureaucratic delays and enable more efficient project management across the capital.

He cited his experience as governor, where he successfully amended similar laws to expedite projects with contractor Julius Berger, achieving a significant 70% upfront payment to speed up work.

“That’s how we were able to complete 12 flyovers in four years,” he said.

The minister further expressed gratitude for President Bola Tinubu’s support, noting that the president’s backing has been crucial for advancing infrastructure development in the FCT.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hinted at disciplining Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over alleged anti-party activities.

According to Umar Sani, Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, the party’s disciplinary committee, led by Chief Tom Ikimi, may sanction Wike for violating party rules.

Sani said that Wike is not above the party and that the recent formation of the disciplinary committee will address his alleged infractions.

“The issue has been oversimplified, with many framing it as a clash between Abubakar Atiku and Nyesom Wike,” Sani stated on Arise TV’s Morning Show. “But the real driving force is the Governors’ Forum, which had been dormant but has now awakened. The Forum is actively working to resolve the crisis.”

While a court order may prevent the removal of officials, Sani noted that it does not stop the party from suspending members or imposing discipline.

Recall that in September, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, revealed during an appearance on Channels Television’s programme, Sunrise Daily, that Wike has been summoned to face allegations of anti-party activities.

Abdullahi stated that Wike was summoned in a letter to appear before the Tom Ikimi-led PDP disciplinary committee.

He said, “Three weeks ago, we put up two committees in place, that of reconciliation and disciplinary, and Nyesom Wike is one of the persons to face the disciplinary committee, which is headed by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi.

“The disciplinary committee will look into issues of anti-party activities. We’ve been receiving petitions regarding anti-party activities or sabotaging the party throughout the primary, leading to where we are now. These petitions against Wike and other party members have been aggregated and sent to the committee.

“Some party members even felt that Wike shouldn’t have gotten to this level still as a member of the PDP and they have been writing to the leadership.”