NEWS
Strike: FCT Minister Wike Speaks On Why Salaries Can’t Be Fully Paid
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the government cannot spend all available funds on salaries and allowances while still meeting development needs across the country.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by his aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike addressed FCT workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), explaining the difficulties of balancing workers’ pay with infrastructure and governance responsibilities.
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He asked, “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 recalled a period when funds were limited for previous FCT administrations and said, “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 highlighted the growth in the FCT budget under his tenure: “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 stressed that competing demands for public funds make it difficult to pay all obligations at once.
The minister emphasized the importance of performance measurement in governance: “Now, what is called performance? So, if we have ₦30 billion, and then we move ₦3 billion to augment for salary, and then we say, okay, we move another ₦10 billion for infrastructure, and then the remaining one, you have to run the… The moment you see ₦5 billion in the account, you remember that something that was not paid in 2015, it is now that they will pay it. That is not the way it is supposed to be.”
Wike also urged support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying, “So, I appeal to you that 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.”
Addressing the ongoing strike, Wike reminded FCT workers that the matter is still in court, advising compliance with the National Industrial Court order.
“It’s unfortunate when people say they will not obey court orders. That means we’re in a lawless society… We did not take the law into our hands; all we said was, let’s go and see who is wrong and who is right.
“We are still open for dialogue, but nobody should threaten the existence of anybody,” he said.
He assured workers that the problems affecting the FCT administration are being addressed progressively: “The whole essence is to have dialogue where there are problems, and say these problems, I can solve this now, leave this for me tomorrow, I’ll be able to solve that tomorrow.
“Nobody can solve all our problems, and as long as we are living, problems will come up. What is important is that you are focused and you are doing the best you can do. When you leave the office, another person will come and continue from where you stopped.”
Recall that FCTA workers under JUAC embarked on an indefinite strike on January 19, 2026, over unresolved welfare issues, disrupting public services in Abuja for over a week.
Wike had previously warned striking staff to return to work immediately or face legal action following the court ruling.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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