Federal Workers Appeal to Tinubu Over Unpaid Wage Award
Federal civil servants in Nigeria are making an urgent appeal to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to settle the outstanding three months of the N35,000 wage award. This call comes against the backdrop of a steadily increasing cost of living, which has placed immense financial strain on workers across the country.
The wage award was initially introduced as a temporary measure to help cushion the impact of the government's ongoing economic reforms on public sector employees. However, the delay in completing the payments is now exacerbating the very hardships it was meant to alleviate.
Staggered Payments and Growing Frustration
It has been reported that payments for the wage award have been inconsistent. So far, five months of the award have been paid, but this was done in staggered tranches, leaving a significant portion still owed to the workers. This partial fulfillment has left many employees in a state of financial uncertainty.
Workers have openly expressed their frustration over the government's delay in settling the remaining arrears. They emphasize that these funds are critical for managing their daily expenses and surviving the current economic climate.
Workers Speak Out on Government's Obligations
In an interview held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, a concerned worker, Dr. Uche Anune, voiced a common sentiment. He stated that the Tinubu-led government should not wait for workers to stage protests before it fulfills its promises. "I am seeing a pattern that whenever there is anything at stake, the government tends to be relaxed about it until some people start agitating or engaging in some form of protest. That should not be the case," Anune remarked.
Another civil servant, Mr. Joseph Edeh, shared this view, noting that the delay in payment casts a shadow of doubt on the government's sincerity. Similarly, Miss Franca Ofili highlighted how the unpaid wages are worsening the financial difficulties faced by her and her colleagues.
Government's Response and Commitment
When contacted for clarification, Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, provided an official response. Mokwa explained that the payment of the wage award would continue to be made in tranches, contingent on the availability of funds.
He firmly reiterated the federal government's commitment to clearing all outstanding arrears. "Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the Federal Government has not reneged on payment of the wage award arrears. With the payment of the second tranche in August, three tranches remain to exhaust the arrears. The government will continue to pay N35,000 per month until the outstanding arrears are fully cleared," Mokwa assured.
As the situation develops, federal workers remain hopeful that the government will act promptly to address their plight and provide the financial relief that was promised.
