Wage Award: FG Should Have Paid N175,000 At Once, Not In Parts — Federal Workers

Federal civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory have voiced dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s approach to paying the arrears of the N35,000 wage award. The government recently began paying the outstanding amount in monthly installments rather than as a lump sum.

Some workers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the government should have paid the full N175,000 owed—representing five months of arrears—at once. Mr. John Lewis, a senior staff member at the Ministry of Information, criticized the partial payments, expressing concern that those managing the process lacked genuine interest in civil servants’ welfare. He likened the situation to the handling of the minimum wage, which he said remains unclear and inadequately paid.

Lewis emphasized that since the wage award is already overdue, it should be paid in full instead of being stretched over months. “It is as if they are doing civil servants a favour, whereas we earned it,” he said.

Similarly, Chief Librarian Mr. Unekwu-ojo Idachaba described the payment plan as less helpful compared to a single lump sum payment. He highlighted the need for improved financial planning and transparency from the government, stressing that the arrears had been long overdue.

In contrast, some workers welcomed the start of payments. Mrs. Joy Okezia expressed relief and gratitude that the government had finally made a payment, even though only one month’s arrears had been settled. She urged the government to continue addressing workers’ concerns promptly and expressed hope that the remaining arrears would be paid on time.

Malam Abubakar Bakari also welcomed the payment but reminded the government to prioritize workers’ welfare, noting their crucial role in national economic growth.

The Accountant-General’s Office confirmed that the first tranche covering one month’s arrears was paid recently. Bawa Mokwa, the office’s Director of Press and Public Relations, stated that the N35,000 arrears would be paid over five months, totaling N175,000 owed to federal civil servants.