The Federal Government has assured federal civil servants that payment of the outstanding ₦35,000 wage award arrears will begin before the middle of August. It also confirmed that officials are processing outstanding promotion arrears as part of efforts to fulfil commitments made to workers.
Government gives payment update
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, gave the assurance during a meeting with the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Side) in Abuja. A statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance said the release of funds for the wage award has reached its final stage.
“The Federal Government has assured public servants that the outstanding wage award will be paid before the middle of August, while promotion arrears are being processed as part of ongoing efforts to fulfil its commitments to workers.”
Edun said the Tinubu administration had already started addressing several labour concerns before receiving the union’s formal communication. He added that the government remains committed to honouring agreements reached with workers.
Funds at final stage of release
According to the minister, the approval process for releasing the funds is almost complete. He expressed confidence that eligible workers would begin receiving the outstanding wage award before the middle of August.
Edun also directed officials of the ministry to review all submissions from the negotiating council. He asked them to work with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to resolve outstanding labour issues quickly. He said the government wants to build workers’ confidence by fulfilling its promises and maintaining regular engagement with organised labour.
Promotion arrears also being processed
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi, assured labour leaders that the ministry would continue working with relevant institutions to speed up the processing of approved workers’ entitlements. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, disclosed that officials are processing Batch 7 promotion arrears alongside Batch 9.
He added that the government is also working to resolve issues relating to the payment of the 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and other outstanding labour claims.
Labour welcomes meeting
President of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Kabiru Ado Minjibir, urged the Federal Government to speed up payment of all pending workers’ entitlements. He identified the outstanding wage award, promotion arrears, salary relativity for health workers and other unresolved welfare issues as matters requiring urgent attention.
According to him, timely implementation of the government’s commitments would strengthen industrial harmony and boost workers’ confidence in the administration. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and cooperation to resolve outstanding labour issues across the federal public service.
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