The Federal Government has begun disbursing the long-anticipated N35,000 wage award arrears to federal workers, fulfilling part of its pledge to support employees amid ongoing economic hardship.
This was confirmed in a statement released Monday by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Bawa Mokwa.
According to the statement, a number of federal workers have already received the initial installment, while others still awaiting payment are expected to be credited soon. The total arrears are being paid in five monthly installments of N35,000, amounting to N175,000 per worker.
The OAGF also addressed media reports alleging that the wage award had been excluded from the 2025 budget. It dismissed the claims as false, clarifying that the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Babatunde Ogunjimi, never issued any statement suggesting such exclusion.
“There was no press briefing by the Accountant General regarding the wage award,” the statement emphasized. “Reports claiming otherwise are entirely inaccurate.”
The Office assured that all outstanding wage award arrears would be fully paid, in line with the government’s commitment to organized labour and public sector workers.
The N35,000 wage award was introduced as a temporary palliative measure to mitigate the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal and broader fiscal reforms. It aims to support workers while negotiations on a new national minimum wage are ongoing.
The commencement of payment follows sustained pressure from labour unions advocating for the fulfillment of the government’s promise. The wage disbursement is expected to offer some financial relief to federal employees struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living.
The OAGF appealed for continued patience from workers whose payments are still being processed, assuring them that all entitlements would be settled promptly through the government’s payroll system.
nyone found threatening the state’s peace would be arrested and prosecuted.