Nurses And Teachers Stage Peaceful Protest In Abuja Over Minimum Wage.
Nurses and teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) united in a peaceful demonstration on Thursday to demand the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, payment of outstanding allowances, and improved working conditions.
The protest, spearheaded by members of the **National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM)** and the **Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT)**, began at the **Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)** headquarters in Abuja. From there, the demonstrators marched to the **FCT Minister’s Office in Garki**, where they submitted a letter detailing their grievances to officials of the FCT administration.
Holding placards with messages calling for justice and fairness, the protesters drew attention to the challenges faced by frontline workers, particularly in the health and education sectors.
Chairman of the NANNM FCT chapter, **Jama Medan**, expressed deep concern over the neglect of **Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs)** within the territory. He revealed that over **270 PHCs are being run by only 120 nurses and midwives**, a situation he described as dire and unsustainable.
“These facilities have now been shut for over a month as a result of industrial action by healthcare workers,” Medan stated. “The silence is deafening. Women and children are losing their lives because these essential centres are not operating.”
Medan also accused the **Area Council Chairmen** of misappropriating **N4.1 billion**, which was reportedly released by the FCT administration to settle arrears of allowances. He called on the FCT authorities to ensure the funds are accounted for and used for their intended purpose.
Meanwhile, **Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike**, has responded strongly to the situation, criticising the lack of action by council chairmen, particularly concerning the non-payment of teachers’ salaries.
“I approved money to be sent to them so they could pay the teachers,” Wike said. “I got a report just yesterday that they’ve failed to do that. I have now summoned all of them.”
Wike reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT administration to resolving the crisis and ensuring that both nurses and teachers receive the remuneration and working conditions they deserve.
The demonstration was peaceful and highlighted the unity between health and education professionals in seeking better treatment and accountability from public office holders. The FCT administration is expected to meet with union leaders in the coming days to address their demands.
