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The Federal Government has unveiled plans to begin the disbursement of overdue wage award arrears totaling N35,000 to federal workers, addressing a backlog spanning five months.
This wage award was first agreed upon in 2023 as a response to alleviate the impact of economic reforms on civil servants, but its rollout has encountered several delays.
A statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation indicated that the initial payment of the arrears will occur right after the distribution of April 2025 salaries.
The statement emphasized that settling these outstanding payments underscores the administration's dedication to upholding agreements with labor unions and improving the welfare of public sector employees. “Every eligible federal employee is set to receive N35,000 for each of the five months owed, with future payments arranged accordingly.”
“Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been instructed to complete the necessary paperwork to guarantee a streamlined and timely disbursement process,” it added.
“We acknowledge the difficulties faced by our workforce and are taking concrete steps to meet our responsibilities,” it continued.
In response, labor unions have applauded the initiative but stressed the importance of the Federal Government ensuring full payment without additional delays. The unions also called for a comprehensive review of wage structures to align with the escalating cost of living.
More information regarding the payment timeline is anticipated to be shared with federal employees through their respective MDAs in the upcoming days.
