By Adenike Lawal

Tension is rising in the Federal Capital Territory as workers and primary school teachers from all six area councils gear up for a major protest in Abuja on Wednesday, April 23.

Their demand is clear—full implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage and other pending entitlements.

Under the joint banner of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, the workers say their patience has worn thin following months of failed negotiations with the area council chairmen.

Speaking in Gwagwalada, Comrade Sa’ad Abdulmumin, Secretary of NULGE FCT, accused the council leaders of deliberately neglecting workers’ welfare. He revealed that despite the release of N4.1 billion by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for wage implementation and arrears, the funds remain unused for their intended purpose.

Beyond the new minimum wage, the protesters are also demanding payment of a previously approved N30,000 wage award, salary adjustments of 25 to 35 percent, a 40 percent peculiar allowance, and full implementation of health sector salary structures.

They also decry the failure to remit pension deductions to their administrators.

“This protest is a last resort. We have endured strikes, dialogues, and delays. Now we are demanding our rights—no more, no less,” Abdulmumin said.

Efforts to reach the head of FCT ALGON, Danladi Chiya, were unsuccessful, as he failed to respond to calls or messages.

As the impasse deepens, the unions remain united in their demand for justice, warning that they will not back down until every kobo owed is paid.

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has pledged to deepen partnerships with the private sector to improve service delivery across Abuja.

At the inauguration of the new Garki Hospital Management Board, Dr. Baba Gana Adam, Permanent Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, hailed the renewed partnership between FCTA and Nisa Medical Group as a shining model of success.

He described the 15-year-old collaboration as proof that public-private partnerships can deliver real benefits to citizens, adding that the FCTA is eager to replicate such arrangements in other sectors.

Dr. Adam also applauded FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his bold leadership in renewing the Garki Hospital agreement, noting that his support has been instrumental in sustaining the vision.

The administration says it remains focused on building efficient services through well-structured private-sector collaborations.

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

More than 20 communities across the Federal Capital Territory spent Easter in darkness following a major power outage blamed on a technical fault and an explosion on key electricity feeders.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the disruption, listing affected areas such as Keffi Garage, Dadin Kowa, Gitata, Angwan Rama, Orozo, and Karshi, among others.

It assured residents that technical teams are working urgently to restore supply.

The outage coincided with renewed assurances from the Federal Government on power sector reforms.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed plans to inject 4,000 megawatts into the national grid by 2026 under the Siemens-led Presidential Power Initiative.

He added that another 2,000 megawatts would be targeted this year, in line with economic directives set by the Tinubu administration to boost national electricity capacity.