Employees from various federal organizations throughout the nation have expressed their discontent regarding the untimely remuneration of their January wages. They perceive the government’s actions as lacking sensitivity, especially given the prevailing economic circumstances within the country. A few employees voiced their discontent about the current delay, deeming it the most severe in recent times, surpassing even the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic when employees were mandated to work remotely. Earlier notification of the delay was sent to the workers by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, according to obtained information.
Based on the memo, the completion of the 2024 Appropriation on the GIFMIS system was being handled by the accountant general’s office. Consequently, the release of the Personnel Warrant for January 2024 has been delayed. According to the memo, it was discovered that the delay would impact a wide range of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The memo advised the staff members who would be affected to maintain patience as the matters were being resolved.
Staff appeal to the government to swiftly address the delay.
Numerous individuals employed in Ekiti State were interviewed, including employees from various institutions such as the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and Federal Ministry of Information, among many others. Wole Balogun, an authority from FUOYE, expressed disbelief at the notion of prolonging salary delays beyond what is absolutely essential, considering the current inflation and economic challenges experienced by the Nigerian populace.
In light of an exasperating situation, Mr. Balogun fervently appealed to the government to swiftly address the delay, citing an avoidable administrative obstacle linked to the payment platforms. He stressed the urgency of taking immediate action, emphasizing the growing intolerability of the predicament. Folashade Daramola, an employee at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, expressed her concern regarding the delay. She highlighted the fact that numerous staff members hold unsettled Loan obligations that should have been paid on time. These pending payments have continued to accumulate.
This creates a survival challenge for staff.
Mrs. Daramola expressed her distress in trying to make it to work, as it has become an arduous task. Not only is it a means for transportation, but also a means to provide for her family. The constant lack of payment has exhausted her patience, leaving her with the resolute demand for her salary to be promptly paid. Furthermore, Owoeye Ilesanmi, an employee at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has expressed that not only has the federal government failed to pay January Salaries on time but they have also broken their promise of honouring the wage award.
He expressed his frustration with the situation, pointing out that they have received a wage award for only two months, leaving three months unpaid. He attributed this issue to the government’s lack of sensitivity. The absence of their salaries and the pending wage award creates a survival challenge for them. He believed that the government needs to demonstrate empathy by fulfilling their obligation and paying them the full amount they owe them. The federal government pledged to provide a wage award to federal employees for half a year as a means to mitigate the consequences of abolishing petrol subsidies.
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Despite the absence of salary hikes for numerous workers, the elimination of Subsidies and implementation of various governmental measures have resulted in a substantial increase in the prices of products and services. Numerous federal employees in Katsina State expressed their discontent as they disclosed that they have yet to receive their salaries and government assistance aimed at alleviating their challenges. Numerous workers who have been impacted expressed that the delay is severely hampering their daily work routine. The situation has become increasingly arduous for those residing in distant localities from their workplaces, as commuting has become a formidable challenge.