The Federal Government has assured civil servants that the payment of outstanding ₦35,000 wage award arrears will commence before the middle of August, as the final release of funds nears completion alongside the processing of overdue promotion arrears.
The commitment follows renewed pressure from organised labour over delays in implementing key welfare agreements. President Bola Tinubu originally approved the monthly provisional wage award in October 2023 to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removals and the soaring cost of living.
Speaking during a meeting in Abuja with the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Side), Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, insisted the administration was determined to fulfil its promises. His comments were confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Efe Ovuakporie.
“When government makes commitments, it delivers,” Oyedele stated. “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.”
Oyedele noted that approval processes were almost complete: “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.” He added that the administration aims to “build a system where issues are resolved proactively.”
The Director of Cash Management, Christiana Osho, confirmed that financial reconciliation for the wage award is complete, paving the way for immediate disbursements once funds are released.