In a notable development, the Federal Government has announced its intention to offer a distinct N35,000 wage award to its employees, as revealed by a director within the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) on Tuesday.
The funding for this supplementary payment has been incorporated into the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, which President Bola Tinubu forwarded to the National Assembly on Tuesday. It’s worth noting that the bill is presently pending approval by lawmakers.
President Tinubu approved this wage award in October, following a dispute with labor unions arising from the removal of fuel subsidies. The implementation of this payment is slated to commence from September 1, 2023.
Speaking on the matter, the OAGF director, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that federal workers have already begun receiving their October salaries. However, he conveyed that the committee responsible for overseeing the N35,000 wage award is still finalizing the details and procedures for its disbursement.
It’s important to note that the Federal Government owes treasury-funded civil servants two months’ worth of palliative wage arrears. Treasury-funded workers fall under the purview of the Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System (IPPIS) following verification.
Furthermore, the Federal Government has issued a warning, stating that any worker who was not verified by October 27 may face removal from the payroll.
The National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission has clarified that the N35,000 wage award will be applicable to all treasury-funded Federal Government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Non-treasury funded MDAs are expected to implement the wage award using their internally generated revenue (IGR) or statutory allocations.
