Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Wike is among a few leaders in Nigeria who believe in the principle that; ‘The labourer is worthy of his wages’. For the Scripture in 1 Timothy 5:18 says; ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain”.
The former Rivers State Governor deeply understands the concept of motivation and its potential to enhance staff optimum performance in a work environment.
Aside from being regarded as Mr. Infrastructure, many people are quick to forget that while serving as Governor for eight years, Wike placed workers’ welfare at the top of his priority list. He inherited a State with a workforce whose morale was at a lowest ebb. The administration of his predecessor had owed workers over four months in salary arrears including pensioners. All of these, Wike cleared and left a clean bill of health regarding workers’ remuneration.
It is on record that with this disposition, Governor Wike facilitated a harmonious partnership between his government and organized labour throughout the eight of his government.
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The decision to approve the payment of N70,000 as a new minimum wage for workers in the FCT may not come as a surprise to millions of Nigerians who understand the nature and character of the former Rivers State Governor who cherishes human well-being.
The FCT has now joined a few other States like Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, Sokoto, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa that have since complied with the minimum wage increase. Some State have payed even above the agreed N70,000.
Interestingly, the approval of the new minimum wage for FCT workers is coming along with a three-month arrears of payment.
During the 2024 Workers Celebration on May 1st, Wike reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare, declaring that “the well-being of Nigerian workers is at the top of our agenda. Workers are the backbone of our economy, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the necessary support and resources to excel.
“We are committed to creating a conducive work environment, improving working conditions, and enhancing the overall quality of life for all FCT workers,” the Minister stressed.
According to the Acting Head of the Civil Service of FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo in a statement by her Press Secretary, Ewhenji Anthony Odey, “The Minister also approved for payment of three months arrears for all staff of the Administration with effect from November, 2024.”
The statement explained that the move is part of the commitment of the Minister to the welfare of the staff.
“This gesture will further spur the entire staff of the Administration to support the Minister to continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” the statement added.
Mrs. Adayilo has expressed appreciation to the FCT Minister for always granting expeditious approval for the payment of staff allowances and claims.
The establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission aimed to promote transparency, accountability, and career progression for the administration’s workers, crowns it all – as the institution becomes the bedrock to achieve the welfarist agenda of the former Rivers State Governor who is now Minister, and doubles of Governor of the nation’s capital ably representing the President and Commander -In – Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in administering the territory.
History will be kind to Wike as he continues to put smile on the faces of the workers and guarantee their career growth and accomplishments.
