Relief At Last! FG To Begin Outstanding Wage Award Payments By Mid-August

The Federal Government has assured federal 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.

The assurance was given by the 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.

According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the meeting focused on addressing unresolved labour issues and strengthening cooperation between the government and organised labour.

Oyedele disclosed that the approval process for the outstanding wage award was nearing completion, expressing confidence that eligible federal workers would begin receiving their payments before mid-August.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling agreements reached with workers, stressing that it remains committed to delivering on every promise made.

The minister also revealed that the remaining batches of promotion arrears were being processed in line with established procedures. He directed relevant officials to review documents submitted by the JPSNC, work closely with affected Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and accelerate action on all pending labour-related matters.

Acknowledging concerns raised by labour unions over delays in implementing some agreements, Oyedele assured workers that the government would continue to promote transparency, regular engagement and timely action to strengthen trust.

Speaking earlier, JPSNC National President, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, urged the Federal Government to fast-track the resolution of outstanding labour issues, including the wage award, promotion arrears, salary relativity for health workers and other welfare concerns.

He noted that fulfilling these commitments would help sustain industrial harmony and reinforce workers’ confidence in the government’s dedication to their welfare.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi, assured labour leaders that the ministry would continue collaborating with organised labour to ensure approved workers’ entitlements are processed and paid without unnecessary delays.

He added that close coordination with relevant government institutions would continue to speed up the resolution of outstanding labour matters, describing continuous dialogue as essential for maintaining industrial peace.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, disclosed that Batch Seven promotion arrears, which had been omitted during an earlier payment exercise, are now being processed alongside Batch Nine.

He expressed optimism that affected workers would receive their payments immediately after processing is completed. Danjuma also said the government is engaging relevant MDAs to resolve issues relating to the Peculiar Allowance and other outstanding labour concerns.

Providing an update on the payment process, the ministry’s Director of Cash Management, Christiana Osho, confirmed that reconciliation for the outstanding wage award has been completed and that the release of funds is now at its final stage.

She explained that once the funds are released, eligible federal public servants will begin receiving the outstanding wage award, while promotion arrears will continue to be paid in line with the approved schedule.