The Federal Government’s selective payment of the new N70,000 minimum wage has sparked outrage among federal public workers. Many employees of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) claim they haven’t received any salary increases, despite President Bola Tinubu signing the minimum wage into law on July 18, 2024.
A frustrated MDA staff member lamented, “We’re fed up with the system. The government’s policies have inflicted unbearable suffering, and now they’re selectively paying the minimum wage. It’s discriminatory and humiliating. Many of us are struggling to survive, sleeping in offices or trekking long distances to work. Our children can’t resume school due to lack of funds.”
The Accountant-General’s office claims the new minimum wage was implemented alongside September salaries.
However, the Budget Office stated that N40,000 was paid across the board to federal workers, which employees deny.
Some federal workers confirmed receiving an extra N40,000 in their September salaries.
According to a Federal Government explanatory note, the N40,000 payment was a temporary measure until the official minimum wage template becomes available.
The note clarified that the new minimum wage took effect on July 28, with arrears due for August. However, the N40,000 flat rate already included in September salaries will be deducted from future payments.
This has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to paying the full minimum wage
. As one worker asked, “How does the government expect us to survive this assault? Prices of essential commodities continue to rise without any palliative from the government. This is wicked and unfair.”
. As one worker asked, “How does the government expect us to survive this assault? Prices of essential commodities continue to rise without any palliative from the government. This is wicked and unfair.”
