“We will Clear Outstanding Wage Award Before Mid-August, Promotion Arrears to Follow”- FGN
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria, has assured federal public servants that payment of the outstanding wage award will commence before the middle of August, while outstanding promotion arrears are also being processed as part of efforts to fulfil commitments made to workers.
The assurance was given by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, during a meeting with the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Trade Side, led by its National President, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir.
Oyedele said the Federal Government had already begun addressing many of the concerns raised by organised labour even before receiving the council’s formal communication, stressing that the administration remains committed to resolving legitimate labour issues through dialogue and timely action.
According to the minister, the necessary approvals for the release of funds for the outstanding wage award are at the final stage, expressing confidence that eligible workers will begin receiving payments before mid-August.
He reiterated that the government would honour all commitments made to workers, noting that where delays occur, realistic timelines would be provided and implemented.
On promotion arrears, Oyedele said outstanding batches are receiving the required attention and are being processed in accordance with established procedures. He directed relevant officials to review documents submitted by the JPSNC and work with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to expedite action on all pending labour-related issues.
The minister acknowledged concerns raised by organised labour over delays in implementing previous agreements but assured workers that the government would continue to strengthen trust through transparency, regular engagement and prompt execution of agreed commitments.
Earlier, JPSNC National President, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, commended the minister for engaging with the union and appealed for the speedy resolution of pending labour issues, including the outstanding wage award, promotion arrears, salary relativity concerns affecting health workers and other outstanding entitlements.
He noted that timely implementation of these commitments would strengthen industrial harmony and boost workers’ confidence in the government’s commitment to their welfare.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with organised labour to ensure approved workers’ entitlements are processed and released without unnecessary delays.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, disclosed that Batch 7 promotion arrears, which was inadvertently omitted during an earlier payment exercise, is now being processed alongside Batch 9. He added that the government is also working to address issues relating to the Peculiar Allowance and other outstanding labour matters in collaboration with relevant MDAs.
Providing an update on the payment process, the Director of the Cash Management Department, Christiana Osho, said reconciliation for the outstanding wage award had been completed and that the release of funds was in its final stage.
She explained that once the release is effected, eligible public servants would begin receiving the outstanding wage award, while processing of promotion arrears would continue according to the approved schedule.
Both the Federal Government and organised labour reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and collaboration aimed at resolving outstanding labour issues and maintaining industrial harmony across the Federal Public Service.
