Civil servants in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, have called on the Federal Government to promptly pay the remaining ₦35,000 monthly wage award arrears, citing growing frustration and financial hardship caused by delayed disbursements.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, the workers expressed dismay over the unexplained delay in the payment of four months’ outstanding arrears promised by the government as part of a temporary wage enhancement package.
In April 2025, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) had announced that the government would settle five months’ worth of the ₦35,000 monthly wage award—initially introduced to cushion the effects of economic reforms—through phased instalments, beginning after the April salary payments.
According to Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, the arrears were to be paid separately from regular salaries over a five-month period.
Although the first payment was made in May 2025, no subsequent instalments have been disbursed, sparking concerns among affected workers.
Dr Uche Anune, a public servant in Abuja, criticised the government’s inaction: “There’s a pattern where the authorities only respond when workers begin to agitate or threaten protest. That’s not acceptable. They made a promise and should honour it.”
Another worker, Mr Joseph Edeh, voiced disappointment in the government’s approach. “After paying one month, they stopped. I’ve lost faith in their sincerity. Why not just pay the remaining four months in one go and be done with it?”
Miss Franca Ofili also appealed to the authorities to alleviate the economic pressure on workers. “That ₦35,000 could make a real difference in people’s lives right now. The government should fulfil its promise and ease our burden.”
The wage award was part of interim measures introduced by the Federal Government to support civil servants following the removal of fuel subsidies and other structural adjustments. However, the apparent failure to follow through has deepened concerns about transparency and trust in public sector commitments.
Officials have yet to provide a clear explanation for the delay or offer a revised schedule for payment.
