Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the decision to withhold 10 per cent of the FCT Administration’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR meant for area councils, explaining that the funds are being deployed to pay outstanding salaries and arrears of primary school teachers in the territory.

Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said the intervention was necessary to address recurring strikes and restore stability to the basic education system in the FCT.

“Nobody is complaining because those affected understand what is going on. We are collecting 10 per cent for a defined period to solve a problem that has kept our children at home,” he said.

He noted that the funds are being used specifically to clear long-standing salary arrears owed to teachers at the primary school level, a situation that has repeatedly triggered industrial actions and disrupted academic activities.

“Our children have been at home because teachers are not paid. That is unacceptable. We have to step in and ensure that these obligations are met,” he added.

Wike explained that the arrangement involves structured monthly deductions aimed at gradually clearing the accumulated debts, stressing that the administration would not allow further disruption in the education sector.

“We are paying a fixed amount every month until the arrears are cleared. If we return that money without solving the problem, the strikes will continue. We will not allow that,” he said.

He dismissed concerns that the policy could affect infrastructure projects or contractor payments, arguing that human capital development must take priority.

“What is the use of building infrastructure when children are not in school? Education is critical, and we must fix it first,” Wike stated.

The minister further maintained that some area councils lacked the capacity to resolve the crisis independently, necessitating the intervention of the FCT Administration.

“Some of these councils cannot handle the burden. That is why we stepped in. The goal is simple—get the teachers back to the classrooms and stabilise the system,” he said.

Wike assured residents that the measure is temporary and targeted, adding that normal revenue allocation processes would resume once the issue is fully resolved.

“This is not forever. It is a solution to a specific problem, and once it is resolved, normal processes will continue,” he added.