FG pledges outstanding wage award before mid-August, says promotion arrears being cleared

The Federal Government has promised public servants that outstanding wage award payments will be made before mid-August, with promotion arrears also being processed. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele gave the assurance on Wednesday during a meeting with the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council Trade Side.

Fund release at final stage

Oyedele met with the council's national president, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, according to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance. Christiana Osho, Director of the Cash Management Department, confirmed that reconciliation of the outstanding wage award had been completed. She said release of funds was at the final stage, and eligible public servants would begin receiving payments once funds are released.

Oyedele said the government had already started addressing many issues raised by the council. He pledged that outstanding commitments would be implemented within realistic timelines.

"When government makes commitments, it delivers. We are not in the habit of making promises that cannot be fulfilled. Where there are outstanding issues, we will give realistic timelines and ensure they are implemented," he said.

"Our objective is to build a system where issues are resolved proactively. We want workers to have confidence that once government gives its word, it will honour that commitment," he added.

Promotion arrears and peculiar allowance

Oyedele directed officials to review all documents submitted by the council and expedite action on outstanding matters. Permanent Secretary Special Duties Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma disclosed that Batch 7 promotion arrears, inadvertently omitted during an earlier payment exercise, is now being processed alongside Batch 9. He added that the government is working with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to resolve issues relating to the Peculiar Allowance and other labour matters.

Minjibir commended the minister for receiving the delegation and appealed for speedy resolution of outstanding issues, including wage award, promotion arrears, salary relativity concerns affecting health workers, and other matters.

Labour pressure builds

The outstanding wage award and promotion arrears have been persistent grievances under the current administration. Earlier this month, the JNPSNC urged Oyedele to intervene in delayed payment of two months' wage award and implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance. The council had requested a meeting on or before August 11, warning that failure could trigger unrest.

The Federal Workers Forum has also renewed calls for improved welfare, urging the government to approve a N300,000 national minimum wage. The group said current salaries are no longer sustainable amid rising living costs.

In June, the forum rejected the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage, describing it as inadequate. That position was contained in a communiqué by National Coordinator Andrew Emelieze, National Secretary Ayo Ogundele, and National Mobilisation Officer Aminu Yerima.

For federal public servants waiting on their entitlements, the government's latest timeline provides a clearer expectation after months of repeated complaints. Whether the pledge holds will depend on the speed of fund release and processing across MDAs.