Civil servants in Abuja have called on the Federal Government to clear the outstanding four months’ arrears of the N35,000 wage award, expressing frustration over the unexplained delay in fulfilling the commitment.

 

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, the workers urged the government to honour its promise without further provocation or agitation.

 

The appeal follows an earlier announcement on April 28, 2025, by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), which stated that the Federal Government would pay the five-month backlog in instalments after completing payment of the April salaries.

 

According to a statement by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, one month’s arrears was paid in May, with assurances that the remaining would follow monthly. However, civil servants say no further payments have been made since.

 

Dr. Uche Anune, one of the affected workers, warned against the government’s perceived habit of responding only to protests. “I am seeing a pattern where the government waits until workers agitate before it acts. That’s not how to lead. The honourable thing is to respect your promise,” he said.

 

Another civil servant, Mr. Joseph Edeh, criticized the government for creating doubt about its sincerity. “They told us five months’ arrears would be paid. They paid one, and stopped. It’s disappointing. They should just clear the remaining four months at once and end this uncertainty.”

 

Miss Franca Ofili echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of the wage award to struggling workers. “That N35,000 can go a long way in solving personal financial issues. The government should fulfill its promise without delay,” she said.

 

The wage award was introduced as part of efforts to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerian workers. While it was initially welcomed, the inconsistent payment has now become a source of frustration for many.

 

Civil servants are now urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to match words with action and clear the remaining arrears promptly, warning that continued delay could erode trust and dampen morale within the public sector.