Federal Government employees are bracing for a subdued Christmas celebration due to delays in receiving their December 2024 salaries.
This follows similar issues in November when many workers received their pay well into the second week of December.
Sources within the civil service attributed the delays to challenges within the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and a transition to a new payment platform. Civil servants expressed frustration, citing financial strain, rising costs of goods, and an inability to prepare adequately for the holidays.
One worker, speaking anonymously, revealed they could not afford to travel for the holidays, while another noted the soaring cost of living and the necessity of timely payments. An Assistant Director lamented the inability to afford even basic holiday provisions, urging the government to prioritize workers’ welfare.
The Federal Government, however, has assured workers that payments began on Monday. Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Accountant-General’s Office explained that delays stemmed from funding shortfalls caused by the implementation of the new minimum wage. Adjustments have now been made to cover these gaps.
Despite these assurances, the impact of delayed payments remains significant. A civil servant noted that discrepancies in bank processing times mean some workers still await their salaries.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier approved a raise in the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, necessitating budget adjustments. However, the National Assembly reduced the proposed budget for salaries and related payments by 45% in 2024, causing financial strain on various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Looking ahead, the 2025 budget includes ₦845.28 billion for minimum wage adjustments. Personnel and pension costs are expected to rise by over 59% to ₦8.52 trillion, with salaries alone accounting for ₦7.54 trillion—a significant increase from 2024.
This financial pressure highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing wage adjustments with limited resources, leaving federal workers to bear the brunt during the festive season.
