In a renewed effort to settle outstanding wage obligations, the Federal Government of Nigeria has begun disbursing the ₦35,000 monthly wage award in instalments to federal civil servants. The payment form part of a five-month arrears package the government pledged in response to mounting pressure from labour unions and public outcry over the economic hardship facing workers.
Progress So Far: Two Tranches Paid
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) officially confirmed that the second tranche of ₦35,000 has been paid as of August 2025.
According to the statement, one earlier instalment was already disbursed, leaving three more monthly payments to complete the full five-month package.
OAGF spokesperson Bawa Mokwa reiterated that contrary to some allegations, the federal government has not defaulted on its commitment; rather, the arrears would continue to be paid in instalments of ₦35,000 until fully exhausted.
Reaction from Labour Groups
Despite the payments, labour organisations are pressing for faster action. The Federal Workers Forum (FWF), in a statement signed by its National Coordinator Andrew Emelieze, decried delays and demanded immediate settlement of the remaining arrears.
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Emelieze emphasized that only two of the promised five months have been paid, meaning that ₦105,000 is still owed to each federal worker covering May, June, and July 2024.
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He described the lingering arrears as a sign of neglect and urged the government to expedite the balance without waiting for prodding.
In addition to arrears, the FWF demanded full salary harmonisation, a comprehensive review of welfare packages, and full implementation of promises made in past labour negotiations.
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The group has threatened escalation, including possible strike actions, should the government fail to comply.
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Government Assurances & Challenges
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured civil servants and the public that it remains committed to fulfilling its obligations. The instalment approach is intended to ease budgetary strain while ensuring gradual but steady payments.
However, critics argue that such delays erode trust, especially in a climate of high inflation and rising cost of living. Some workers have called for the remaining four or three months’ arrears to be paid in one lump sum to avoid continual uncertainty.
Issues of Misinformation
A notable controversy surrounded claims that the Accountant General had excluded the ₦35,000 wage award from the 2025 federal budget. This assertion was widely circulated on social media. However, fact-checking investigations revealed no credible statement to that effect. In fact, the OAGF outright denied excluding the wage award and confirmed that payments are being processed.
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What Lies Ahead
With three instalments remaining, all eyes are on how promptly and reliably the government will complete the payments. Any further delays are likely to intensify pressure from unions and amplify worker unrest. Observers believe that successful fulfilment of the wage award obligations will be a litmus test for the current administration’s credibility with federal employees.