FG to begin payment of outstanding wage award before mid-August

The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured public servants that payment of the outstanding wage award will commence before the middle of August, while efforts are also underway to clear pending promotion arrears.

This assurance was given by Taiwo Oyedele, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, during a meeting with the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Trade Side, led by its national president, Kabiru Ado Minjibir.

Oyedele said the government had already started addressing many of the concerns raised by the council even before receiving its formal communication, noting that approvals for the wage award payments are being finalised.

“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.

The minister also disclosed that promotion arrears are receiving attention, with outstanding batches currently being processed in line with established procedures.

He directed relevant officials to review documents submitted by the JPSNC, collaborate with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and accelerate action on all pending labour-related matters.

Oyedele acknowledged concerns from organised labour over delays in implementing some agreements, assuring that the government would strengthen trust through transparency, regular engagement, and prompt action.

Earlier, Minjibir urged the government to fast-track the resolution of outstanding labour issues, including wage awards, promotion arrears, salary relativity concerns affecting health workers, and other welfare matters. He noted that timely implementation would enhance industrial harmony and reinforce workers’ confidence.

Also speaking, Raymond Omachi, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with labour unions to ensure that approved entitlements are processed and released without unnecessary delays.

Similarly, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, permanent secretary (special duties), disclosed that Batch 7 promotion arrears—previously omitted—are now being processed alongside Batch 9, expressing optimism that beneficiaries will begin receiving payments once processing is completed.

Providing an update, Christiana Osho, director of cash management at the ministry, said reconciliation for the outstanding wage award has been completed and that the payment process is at its final stage.

She added that once funds are released, eligible public servants will begin receiving payments, while promotion arrears will continue according to the approved schedule.