Federal Workers to Receive Pending Five-Month Wage Award Arrears

The Federal Government has confirmed plans to pay civil servants five months of outstanding N35,000 wage award arrears, beginning after the disbursement of April 2025 salaries. The announcement, made through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), marks the continuation of a palliative measure first introduced during minimum wage negotiations with organized Labour.

The wage award was initially implemented to cushion the impact of recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and other fiscal policies that significantly increased living costs. According to the OAGF’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, eligible federal workers had earlier received five months’ worth of the award in installments, leaving another five months unpaid until now.

The OAGF clarified that the arrears will be paid in monthly installments of N35,000 over five months. Although the payments will not be bundled with April salaries, the first installment is scheduled to follow immediately after salaries are credited. The office emphasized that arrangements for the disbursement have been concluded and reassured workers of the government’s commitment to their welfare.

It also stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure no eligible employee is left out and that the process will be executed smoothly across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). This update comes as Labour unions continue to press for the full implementation of wage-related agreements amid a rising cost of living nationwide.