In a major development for Nigeria’s public sector workforce, the Federal Government has confirmed plans to disburse five months’ worth of minimum wage arrears owed to federal civil servants, signaling a concrete step toward addressing long-standing salary shortfalls.

The announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, where top officials from the Ministry of Finance and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission revealed that payments would begin in May 2025, following the recent approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to government sources, the arrears stem from adjustments related to the revised national minimum wage that came into effect in 2019. While the wage increase was announced and implemented for certain sectors, many federal workers have yet to receive the full backdated financial entitlements prompting sustained agitation from labor unions.

“This administration is committed to fulfilling all outstanding obligations to federal workers,” said Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. “We have finalized all documentation, the necessary funding has been secured, and disbursement will commence shortly. These arrears cover five full months.”

The move comes amid renewed pressure from organized labor, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which had issued ultimatums and hinted at potential strike action. Both bodies have cautiously welcomed the development, while calling for close monitoring to ensure fair implementation.

“This is a step in the right direction,” said NLC President Joe Ajaero in a reaction on Tuesday. “Nigerian workers have exercised patience long enough, and we expect full transparency as these payments roll out.”

Policy analysts have noted that the timing of the announcement may also be politically strategic, as negotiations for a new national minimum wage continue amidst rising inflation and economic hardship.

The disbursement is expected to affect over 300,000 federal employees, providing significant relief to families struggling under the weight of soaring food prices, transportation costs, and utility bills.

Government sources assured that verification and disbursement processes would be streamlined to prevent delays and ensure no eligible worker is excluded.

source:businessday.ng