Federal workers across Nigeria are speaking out after the government began paying only N35,000 out of the total N175,000 wage award arrears promised months ago. Most civil servants are not happy with the slow, piecemeal approach and say the full amount should have been paid at once.
The N35,000 wage award was introduced to ease the financial pressure on workers during tough economic times. It was supposed to be paid monthly for five months, but after a long delay, only one month has now been paid.
Why Are Workers Upset?
Some workers say the money has come too late, and in a way that doesn’t really help. They argue that getting just N35,000 now, after waiting so long, feels more like an insult than support.
Mr John Lewis, a senior staff at the Ministry of Information, said he expected all five months to be paid at once. “They promised us and delayed for months. Now they send one payment and leave the rest hanging,” he said. “This is exactly what happened with the new minimum wage too – lots of promises, no action.”
Many workers say the payment plan makes it hard to plan financially. A full N175,000 could help them settle debts, pay bills, or handle emergencies. But N35,000 does not go far, especially with rising prices across Nigeria.
What Others Are Saying
Mr Unekwu-ojo Idachaba, a Chief Librarian, said the payment was long overdue and not what workers deserve. “It came as a surprise, yes. But it is not enough,” he said. “They should have just paid the full amount in one go.”
Mrs Joy Okezia, another civil servant, took a more positive view. She said she was grateful to get anything at all. “I’m just happy the money finally came. I didn’t think they would pay unless there was a strike,” she said.
Malam Abubakar Bakari also agreed it’s good that payment has started, but said workers’ welfare must be treated more seriously. “Civil servants are the ones keeping the country running. They deserve better treatment,” he said.
Government Responds
The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation confirmed this week that the wage award arrears will be paid in five parts – N35,000 each month. This means workers will get the full N175,000 only after four more months.
Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the office, said the delay was due to internal processes and budget approvals. “The payment will continue. Everyone entitled to it will be paid fully,” he said.
Why This Matters
For many workers, this wage award is not just about money – it’s about respect. They want to feel seen and valued. They want to be able to trust that when the government makes a promise, it will be kept – on time and in full.
What Happens Next?
Workers are now waiting to see if the remaining payments will come without more delays. Labour unions may also get involved if the process stalls again. Civil servants are hopeful, but also cautious. They say they’ve seen too many broken promises before.
