Fresh tension has gripped federal public workers as many have yet to receive the N70,000 new minimum wage promised by the Federal Government. Workers from several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including federal universities, have expressed frustration over the selective payment, accusing the government of insensitivity amid ongoing economic hardships.
Many workers report that no changes have been made to their salaries, despite President Bola Tinubu signing the new wage into law back in July 2024. The situation is exacerbating the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and rising costs of living.
An anonymous staff member from an MDA voiced their frustration, stating: “We don’t understand what the government expects us to do. We’re all suffering the same hardship, but only a few are seeing any additions to their pay. It feels like we’re being treated unfairly, and it’s demoralizing.”
Conflicting reports have emerged from government sources, with the Accountant-General’s office claiming the new wage was included in September’s salary, while the Budget Office suggested N40,000 was paid to all federal workers. However, many workers deny receiving these payments.
The delay and inconsistency in implementing the new minimum wage have left many workers struggling to meet basic needs, with some resorting to extreme measures like sleeping in their offices or fasting to cope. The situation has sparked outrage, with workers calling the government’s policies unfair and inadequate to address the soaring cost of living.
