Selective Payment Of ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Triggers Tension Among Federal Workers

The selective payment of Nigeria’s newly implemented ₦70,000 minimum wage has sparked unrest among federal public workers, with many still awaiting salary increases.

Workers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including those at federal universities, have criticized the government’s handling of the situation, labeling it insensitive amid widespread economic hardship.

Despite the new minimum wage being signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on July 18, 2024, following extensive negotiations involving the government, private sector, and labor unions like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), numerous workers have not received the promised wage increase.

Conflicting information from the Accountant-General’s Office and the Budget Office has fueled confusion.

While the Accountant-General’s Office claimed the new wage was implemented with September salaries, the Budget Office reported a flat ₦40,000 payment to all federal workers, a statement denied by many affected employees.

One anonymous staff member from an MDA expressed frustration, describing the situation as “discriminatory” and accusing the government of selectively paying certain workers while others continue to struggle.

He mentioned how workers face unbearable conditions, with many forced to sleep in offices, trek long distances to work, and resort to skipping meals due to the high cost of living.

Workers have also expressed disappointment with the government’s policy choices, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has exacerbated economic challenges.

The rise in petrol prices and electricity tariffs has eroded the value of the minimum wage, which has not even been fully implemented, further straining workers.

In response to the controversy, a source from the office of the Accountant-General maintained that the new minimum wage had been factored into September salaries.

However, the Budget and National Planning Office reported that a flat ₦40,000 payment was a temporary measure, with the official minimum wage template expected to be fully implemented in October.

Union leaders have voiced strong criticism of the delay and selective payments. Benjamin Anthony, President of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), condemned the situation, stating that the majority of workers have yet to receive any salary adjustment. He added that the government’s failure to act swiftly is causing widespread hunger and hardship, with many unable to send their children to school.

Similarly, Ibeji Nwokoma, President of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), lamented the impact of the delay on his members, who face economic hardship and struggle to cope with rising costs.

Mohammed Ibrahim, President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), also highlighted how university workers are particularly affected, as many of them travel long distances to work, which has severely impacted morale and productivity.

The general sentiment among workers and unions is one of frustration and distrust, with calls for the government to implement the new minimum wage immediately to ease the financial burden on public servants.