The Federal Government has released the second instalment of the ₦35,000 wage award arrears payment to civil servants, continuing the phased settlement agreed upon with organised labour.
Second Round of Wage Award Arrears Payment in Progress
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) confirmed the disbursement on Friday, stating that payments began on Thursday and have already reached many workers’ accounts.
Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, explained that this follows the earlier settlement of one month’s arrears out of the total five months owed. The latest payment brings the outstanding balance down to three months.
Why the Wage Award Arrears Payment Was Introduced
The wage award arrears payment originated in 2023 as a temporary palliative after the removal of fuel subsidies and other reforms caused a sharp rise in living costs.
Negotiated with labour unions, it aimed to ease financial strain on public sector employees while discussions on a new minimum wage continued. Each tranche delivers ₦35,000 per worker, offering short-term relief in a challenging economic climate.
Workers Call for Full Settlement of Arrears
Some federal employees say the phased approach is prolonging financial hardship. In Abuja, civil servant Dr. Uche Anune argued that delays in the wage award arrears payment force workers to agitate before action is taken.
Similarly, Joseph Edeh questioned why the government cannot clear all remaining months at once. “We knew it was five months from the start. Two have been paid; why not just pay the rest and end it?” he said.
FG Dismisses Claims of Abandoning the Wage Award
The OAGF rejected speculation that the government had halted the wage award arrears payment process. Mokwa stressed that the administration remains committed and will continue monthly ₦35,000 instalments until the final tranche is paid.
He added that the phased schedule was agreed upon and is being followed without default.
Labour Unions Still Push for Broader Wage Review
While this second tranche is a welcome relief for many, labour groups maintain that settling the wage award arrears payment is only part of the solution. They are pressing for a broader salary review to address inflation and improve public sector welfare in the long term.
With three months still outstanding, the next stages of the wage award arrears payment will be closely monitored by workers and union leaders eager to see the government keep its word. For now, the ongoing disbursement remains an important support for civil servants managing rising living costs.
Article updated 2 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
