The Federal Government has commenced the long-awaited payment of the N35,000 wage award arrears to federal workers, bringing relief to employees who have endured months of delay.
This development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Bawa Mokwa.
According to the OAGF, many federal employees have already received the first tranche of N35,000, with others expected to be credited shortly.
The arrears are structured to be paid in five monthly instalments, totalling N175,000 per beneficiary.
The wage award was introduced by the government as part of measures to cushion the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal and inflation and to bridge income gaps while a new national minimum wage is being negotiated.
The OAGF also addressed recent media reports suggesting the wage award had been excluded from the 2025 budget, describing them as false.
Part of the statement read: “There was no press briefing by the Accountant General on the matter of wage award. Any report quoting him as excluding the N35,000 from the 2025 budget is entirely false.”
The statement further reassured workers that all outstanding arrears would be paid in full, in line with the government’s commitment to organized labour and public service staff.
Labour unions had consistently demanded the fulfilment of the wage award, citing growing economic pressures on workers.
The disbursement is seen as a crucial step in maintaining industrial peace and easing financial burdens.
The OAGF urged workers who have not yet received payment to remain patient, assuring them that the payroll system is actively processing all outstanding entitlements.