The Federal Government has assured federal civil servants that payment of the outstanding N35,000 wage award arrears will begin before the middle of August, adding that the release of funds is at its final stage. It also said outstanding promotion arrears are being processed.
The assurance follows fresh concerns from organised labour over delays in paying wage awards, promotion arrears and other salary-related benefits.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, gave the assurance during a meeting in Abuja with the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Trade Side, led by its National President, Kabiru Ado Minjibir.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, quoted the minister as saying, “When 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.”
Oyedele said labour concerns were already being addressed before the union’s formal communication and reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to honouring agreements with workers. He added, “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 directed ministry officials to review the council’s submissions, engage relevant MDAs and speed up action on unresolved labour issues. Permanent Secretary Raymond Omachi promised closer cooperation with labour, while Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma said Batch 7 promotion arrears, omitted earlier, are now being processed with Batch 9. Director of Cash Management Christiana Osho said reconciliation had been completed and payments would begin once the release is approved.
Earlier, Minjibir urged the government to clear outstanding wage awards, promotion arrears, salary relativity for health workers and other welfare issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue.
President Tinubu approved the N35,000 monthly wage award in October 2023 for six months to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and the rising cost of living. Although payments began in late 2023, they later became irregular. The Office of the Accountant-General announced in April 2025 that the five unpaid months would be settled in instalments. Two tranches have since been paid, leaving the remaining balance.
The latest assurance comes days after the council sought an urgent meeting with the minister over delayed wage award payments and the 40 per cent peculiar allowance. In its letter, the union warned unresolved issues could lead to unrest and said, “The national leadership expects that this meeting will help to address the above-stated outstanding issues to prevent palpable disquiet and the brewing industrial crisis.”
