Civil servants in Abuja have urged Nigeria’s Federal Government to settle the outstanding ₦35,000 wage award arrears, accusing authorities of failing to fulfil their commitment and compounding workers’ financial difficulties.
The monthly wage award was introduced by the government to help ease the cost-of-living burden on public sector employees, with five months’ arrears promised to be paid in instalments. However, only one month has been disbursed to date, with no official communication on the delay of the remaining four.
In a statement issued in April by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), the government announced that the payments would follow the April 2025 salary cycle, with monthly ₦35,000 tranches to be disbursed over five months. The first payment was made in May, but subsequent payments have not been honoured.
“The government shouldn’t wait for unrest before acting,” said Dr Uche Anune, a civil servant in Abuja. “They weren’t forced into making that commitment. It’s only right that they keep their word.”
Another worker, Joseph Edeh, criticised the instalment plan and called for a lump-sum settlement. “They said we had five months outstanding, but after paying just one month, they stopped. It raises serious doubts about the government’s sincerity.”
Franca Ofili, a young federal employee, echoed these concerns, urging the authorities to resolve the matter promptly. “₦35,000 might not seem like much to them, but it helps us pay bills and stay afloat. They should clear the backlog at once.”
The wage award was part of a broader package to support workers amid growing inflation and economic reforms. However, the lack of follow-through has triggered fresh frustration and suspicion among public employees.
There has been no official update from the government regarding a revised payment schedule or reasons for the delay.
With rising costs of living and looming by-elections in several states, pressure is mounting on the federal administration to act decisively and restore public trust.
