FG Begins Payment of N35,000 Wage Award Arrears to Federal Workers

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the long-awaited N35,000 wage award arrears to its employees, months after the announcement was initially made. The development comes as part of efforts to cushion the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal and rising inflation across the country.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), the wage award—totalling N175,000 per worker—is being disbursed in five monthly instalments of N35,000 each. Many federal workers have already received their first instalment, while others are expected to be credited in the coming days.

The wage award, introduced as a temporary relief measure, forms part of the government’s broader commitment to ease the financial strain on civil servants pending the conclusion of negotiations on a new national minimum wage.

In response to recent reports suggesting the exclusion of the wage award from the 2025 budget, the OAGF dismissed the claims as false. It clarified that there has been no official statement from the Accountant General indicating any such exclusion.

The introduction of the wage award followed persistent demands by labour unions, who urged the government to honour its pledge to support workers amidst surging living costs.

With the current disbursement underway, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensure that all outstanding arrears are fully paid. Workers who have not yet received their payments have been advised to remain patient, as their entitlements are currently being processed through the payroll system.

This move is seen as a significant relief for federal employees who have been grappling with the economic challenges brought on by inflation and subsidy reforms.