Federal Government Commences Payment of Second N35,000 Wage Award Arrears
The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun the disbursement of the second installment of the N35,000 monthly wage award arrears to civil servants. This payment fulfills a commitment made to federal workers as a palliative measure and was officially confirmed by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).
Key Details of the Payment:
Payment Status: This recent payment represents the second month of a five-month arrears package. With this disbursement, there are now three monthly tranches of the N35,000 wage award still outstanding. The OAGF has assured civil servants that the government will continue to pay the remaining arrears in installments until the full amount is settled.
Purpose of the Wage Award: The N35,000 monthly wage award was initiated in October 2023 as a temporary measure to alleviate the economic hardship caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy. It was a result of an agreement between the Federal Government and organized labor unions, designed to cushion the impact of rising living costs while a new national minimum wage is being negotiated.
Government's Assurance: The OAGF’s statement was issued to counter public concerns and speculation that the government had abandoned its promise to pay the arrears. The statement explicitly confirmed the government's commitment to honoring its obligations to federal workers.
Next Steps: While the phased payment of the arrears may ease immediate tensions, the N35,000 wage award is a temporary measure. Discussions on a new, permanent national minimum wage are ongoing, and this will be the next major focus of negotiations between the government and labor unions.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
