Nigeria assures civil servants wage award payments by mid-August

Federal civil servants in Nigeria have been assured by the Federal Government that payments for outstanding N35,000 wage award arrears will commence before the middle of August. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, provided this assurance during a meeting with the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council in Abuja.

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The Federal Government has assured public servants that the outstanding wage award will be paid before the middle of August, while promotion arrears are being processed as part of ongoing efforts to fulfil its commitments to workers.

Oyedele stated that the necessary financial release for the wage award payments is in the final stages of approval. This comes amid ongoing concerns from organized labor regarding delays in implementing various worker welfare agreements, including unpaid wage awards and promotion arrears. The minister emphasized the administration's commitment to honoring its promises to workers, noting that President Bola Tinubu's government is dedicated to fulfilling its commitments.

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When the government makes commitments, it delivers. We are not in the habit of making promises that cannot be fulfilled. Where there are outstanding issues, we will give realistic timelines and ensure they are implemented.

"When the government makes commitments, it delivers. We are not in the habit of making promises that cannot be fulfilled," Oyedele asserted. He added that for outstanding issues, the government would provide realistic timelines for implementation. The approval process for the funds is nearing completion, and the minister expressed confidence that eligible workers would receive their payments promptly.

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The necessary release for payment of the outstanding wage award is being concluded, and we are confident that eligible public servants will begin receiving the payment before the middle of the month.

In addition to the wage awards, the government is also processing outstanding promotion arrears according to established procedures. Oyedele urged ministry officials to expedite action on unresolved labor issues by reviewing submissions from the council and engaging relevant government bodies. He acknowledged the concerns raised by labor unions but pledged to build confidence through transparency and regular engagement, aiming for a system that proactively resolves issues.

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Our objective is to build a system where issues are resolved proactively. We want workers to have confidence that once government gives its word, it will honour that commitment.