The Federal Government has started disbursing the long-promised N35,000 wage award arrears to its employees, marking a significant step in its efforts to alleviate the financial burden on public servants amid ongoing economic difficulties.
This development was confirmed in a statement released on Monday in Abuja by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Bawa Mokwa.
According to the statement, several federal workers have already received the initial installment, while others are expected to be credited in the coming days.
The total arrears, amounting to N175,000 per worker, are being paid in five monthly installments of N35,000 each.
Addressing recent speculation in some media reports, the OAGF clarified claims that the N35,000 wage award had been omitted from the 2025 federal budget.
The office firmly denied any such omission, stating: “There was no press briefing by the Accountant General on the matter of wage award. Any report quoting him as excluding the N35,000 from the 2025 budget is entirely false.”
The OAGF reassured workers that the government remains committed to fulfilling its pledge to public sector employees.
It confirmed that “all outstanding arrears of the wage award would be settled in line with the government’s assurance to organised labour and public service employees.”
The wage award was initially introduced as a palliative by the Federal Government to ease the effects of fuel subsidy removal and other economic reforms.
It is designed to serve as a temporary measure while negotiations for a new national minimum wage continue.
Following months of pressure from labour unions and advocacy groups, the commencement of payment has been widely welcomed.
It is expected to bring some financial relief to federal workers who have been struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living.
The OAGF urged federal workers who are yet to receive their payment to remain patient, stating that “the payroll system is actively processing all outstanding entitlements.”
