The federal civil servants have demanded the immediate settlement of the outstanding three months of the ₦35,000 wage award.
They stressed that the arrears are vital in easing financial strain amid rising living costs.
The wage award, negotiated with labour unions in 2023, was introduced as a temporary measure to cushion workers during ongoing economic reforms. At the time, unions had threatened nationwide strikes unless demands for improved compensation and cost-of-living adjustments were addressed.
Although five months of the award have been partially disbursed in staggered tranches, frustration has mounted over delays in clearing the remaining payments. Both the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have repeatedly pressed the government to honour its commitments.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, Dr. Uche Anune, a civil servant, criticized the government’s perceived reluctance to act until workers resort to protests. “Whenever there is anything at stake, the government tends to be relaxed until people start agitating. That should not be the case,” he said.
Another worker, Mr. Joseph Edeh, questioned the government’s sincerity, noting that only two months of arrears had been paid. “Nobody is happy about this. What they should do is clear the remaining three months at once,” he remarked. Similarly, Miss Franca Ofili highlighted the financial hardship caused by the delay, insisting that the ₦35,000 payment could significantly ease workers’ burdens.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the payments. He explained that disbursement would continue in tranches, subject to fund availability. “Contrary to insinuations, the Federal Government has not reneged on payment of the wage award arrears. With the second tranche paid in August, three remain, and the government will continue to pay ₦35,000 monthly until the arrears are cleared,” he stated.
Civil servants emphasized that prompt settlement of the arrears is essential not only to relieve financial pressures but also to sustain morale and confidence in the government’s labour commitments. They warned that further delays could trigger unrest and erode trust among public sector workers.
