Wike Justifies IGR Deduction Move

Wike Justifies IGR Deduction Move

Nyesom Wike has defended the decision to withhold 10 per cent of Internally Generated Revenue meant for area councils in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the funds are being redirected to clear salary arrears owed to primary school teachers.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister said the move was necessary to end repeated strikes that have kept pupils out of school.

“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 explained that the money is being used for structured monthly payments to settle outstanding wages. “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 said the measure is temporary and will stop once the backlog is cleared.

He argued that education must come first, stressing that the aim is to return teachers to classrooms and restore stability in schools across the territory.