Cleaners of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), who have suspended work for six months now,have been thrown into jubilation mood as their six months’ salary arrears have been paid.
This followed the approval by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike’s intervention to have their wages paid.
The minister’s intervention came in the wake of facilitation by ranking senior officials of the Administration including the FCTA Acting Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan; Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mr.Felix Obuah; and the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, Mr. Ajayi Rotimi Babatunde.
Acting Director, Department of Facilities Maintenance and Management (DFMM), Dr. Ayuba A. Usman confirmed that funds have been released to settle the outstanding salaries,a statement on Thursday, October 23,2025,from the department’s information said.
The statement noted that the Administration’s action was to ensure that the essential workers, whose role is to maintain cleanliness in public spaces for a conducive working environment, remain motivated by,among others, receiving their due wages.
The payment was made to cleaners who work in the FCTA Secretariat located at Area 11, Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to the statement, the payment of the arrears “has brought a wave of relief and joy to the cleaners.”
It added: “A cross section of them shared their thoughts on the positive development.
An elated Fatima,a cleaner at the minister’s block, said, “I am so happy. I can finally buy school uniforms for my children.”
For Ibrahim,another cleaner,”This payment is a blessing.It has been a long time coming. Thanks to the administration for finally listening to
us.”
Another cleaner,Chika said, “We are relieved. However, we hope the administration will stick to a regular payment schedule going forward.”
All the workers expressed relief and gratitude for the decision against the background of financial strain caused by the delay.
The FCTA has urged stakeholders involved in service delivery to adhere to payment schedules to prevent future delays to ensure continuous service
improvement.
