Federal Workers Left Empty-Handed for Christmas as December Salaries Face Delays

Federal civil servants nationwide are expressing dissatisfaction as the payment of their December 2023 salaries remains delayed, casting a shadow over their Christmas celebrations.

Many civil servants, including those in federal ministries, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHoCSF), and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), marked Christmas without the anticipated joy of traditional festivities due to financial constraints.

In a surprising turn of events, workers in federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and associated federal institutions are also grappling with delayed salary payments during the holiday season. Notably, only employees in revenue-generating agencies such as NNPC, NPA, NIMASA, NCC, CBN, FIRS, among others, received their December salaries on time.

Expressing their frustration, several civil servants voiced concerns about the unexpected delay, emphasizing the impact on their families, especially for those lacking savings. One worker stated, “Despite the general misgivings about previous administrations, I cannot remember any time our December salaries were delayed.”

The situation has led to a subdued Christmas for many, with one civil servant pointing out the irony of a 50% discount on transportation when individuals lack funds to travel. The delay is expected to have repercussions on celebrations and could extend into January when schools resume.

Lecturers at various institutions conveyed their discontent, with one stating, “How can you be happy when you cannot make your family happy at this auspicious occasion?” Another expressed disappointment in the government’s failure to provide timely payments, labeling it an indictment.

A teacher at the Federal Government Girls College, Bajoga, Gombe State, described a lackluster Christmas, saying, “We are yet to get our December salary, and that is how we celebrated our Christmas.”

In response to inquiries, the Director of Communication in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHoCSF), Mallam Mohammed Ahmed, clarified that they were not responsible for salary payments. Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Mallam Bawa Mokwa, assured that the payment process was ongoing, with workers expected to receive their salaries soon.

A top government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the delay to a technical glitch, assuring that efforts were underway to address the issue, and salaries would be disbursed before the end of the day (Monday).