Federal civil servants have urged the Federal Government to immediately clear the remaining three months of the ₦35,000 wage award, warning that the delay is worsening their financial struggles amid the rising cost of living.
The wage award, negotiated with labour unions in 2023, was designed as a temporary cushion during the government’s economic reforms.
Although five months have been partially settled in staggered payments, frustration has mounted over the government’s delay in releasing the balance.
Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have repeatedly demanded full payment, stressing that the award was part of a binding commitment reached to avoid nationwide strikes last year.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, some civil servants criticised what they described as the government’s reluctance to act until workers begin to protest.
“I am seeing a pattern that whenever there is anything at stake, the government tends to be relaxed about it until some people start agitating or engaging in some form of protest. That should not be the case,” said a worker, Dr. Uche Anune.
Another civil servant, Joseph Edeh, questioned the government’s sincerity, noting that only two months of the outstanding five-month arrears have been paid.
“They told us that we had an outstanding of five months; after paying two months, they stopped. Why are they treating us like this? Nobody is happy about this. What they should do is clear the remaining three months at once and forget about it,” he said.
Similarly, Miss Franca Ofili explained that the delay has deepened financial pressure on many workers.
“The government should clear the arrears because that ₦35,000 can go a long way in solving our financial problems. We need the money; they should pay the outstanding three months at once,” she said.
Responding to the concerns, the Federal Government, through the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Bawa Mokwa, reaffirmed its commitment to completing the payments.
“Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the Federal Government has not reneged on payment of the wage award arrears. With the payment of the second tranche in August, three tranches remain to exhaust the arrears. The government will continue to pay ₦35,000 per month until the outstanding arrears are fully cleared,” he stated.
Mokwa explained that the staggered payment is due to the availability of funds but assured workers that the arrears will be fully settled.
Civil servants insist that clearing the arrears is essential not only to ease personal hardship but also to maintain confidence in the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
They urged the government to act swiftly to prevent agitation and ensure industrial harmony.
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