The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Federal Government for delaying the payment of the newly approved minimum wage to certain federal civil servants.
The government had previously attributed the delay to the prolonged approval process of the 2025 national budget.
Several civil servants in Abuja expressed frustration over the situation, saying the delay has placed financial strain on their daily lives.
Some reported having to rely on loans to make ends meet, as they await the implementation of the wage adjustment.
A staff member of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, who requested anonymity due to civil service rules, said, “Initially, a flat rate of N40,000 was added to our salaries.
But that stopped in February, and we’re still waiting for the new wages. It’s unfair. Transportation costs are rising, and workers are left in limbo. We need the NLC and TUC to stand up for us.”
Another employee from the Ministry of Defence said, “I’m in debt to loan apps.
We’ve been expecting the arrears and minimum wage payment every day, but nothing is happening. It’s like everyone’s gone silent.”
In response, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah said the union would take action soon.
“This is totally unacceptable. No excuse can justify such indifference.
Rest assured, there will be an appropriate response,” Upah stated.
President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage bill into law on July 18, 2024, following two months of negotiations involving the government, labour unions, and the private sector.
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