The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to clearing the remaining three months’ arrears of the N35,000 wage award owed to civil servants, pledging that the payments will be made without further delay.
Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
According to the statement, payment of the second tranche of the arrears commenced on Thursday. The wage award — introduced as a palliative measure to support federal workers — initially had five months’ arrears outstanding after the first tranche was settled earlier.
“With the payment of the second tranche, three tranches remain to be cleared,” Mokwa said. “Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the Federal Government has not reneged on payment. It will continue to disburse N35,000 monthly until all arrears are exhausted.”
Despite this assurance, some civil servants in Abuja expressed concern about the staggered payment process.
Dr. Uche Anune criticised the delays, saying: “Government should not wait until workers become agitated before taking action.”
Similarly, Mr. Joseph Edeh urged the authorities to settle the entire balance at once to restore confidence. “They should pay the remaining four months at once and end this uncertainty,” he said.
Miss Franca Ofili also appealed for prompt payment, stressing that the N35,000 could make a meaningful difference in meeting workers’ financial needs.
The wage award is part of the Federal Government’s strategy to cushion the impact of economic hardship on civil servants.
