Tension is rising within Nigeria’s civil service ranks as federal workers in Abuja have issued a fresh appeal to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate payment of the outstanding N140,000 wage award arrears owed to them.
The workers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, expressed frustration over the four-month delay in the disbursement of the N35,000 monthly wage award. The award, originally approved as a palliative in the wake of fuel subsidy removal and economic hardship, was meant to cover five months. However, only one month has reportedly been paid—leaving four months (N140,000 per worker) in arrears.
Dr. Uche Anune, one of the affected civil servants, condemned the government’s apparent nonchalance. “The government should not wait until workers begin protests or strikes before acting. They made a promise willingly—no one coerced them,” he said.
The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) had announced in April 2025 that the outstanding arrears would be paid in five monthly instalments. However, according to staff accounts, only the May instalment has been received, with no word on the remaining four.
Joseph Edeh, another civil servant, expressed deep disappointment in the Tinubu-led administration’s failure to follow through. “I have lost faith. They made a clear promise, paid once, and stopped. Why the deceit?” he asked, urging the government to pay the full balance at once rather than drag the payments monthly.
Similarly, Miss Franca Ofili lamented the burden the delay has placed on workers. “That N35,000 can solve real family needs. Government should respect workers and clear the arrears without excuses.”
While the OAGF earlier claimed that the payments would commence immediately after April salaries, no further disbursements have been made, heightening suspicions over the government's commitment to worker welfare.
Observers say the delay is coming at a time when trust in the government’s sincerity is low, amid rising inflation, stagnant wages, and increased cost of living.
Labour unions are now reportedly monitoring the situation closely, and there is growing speculation that a failure to settle the arrears could spark a nationwide industrial action in the coming weeks.
