Federal Workers Decry Delay in January Salary Payments
Workers across various federal establishments in Nigeria have expressed frustration over the delay in receiving their January salaries, criticizing the government’s insensitivity amid the country’s economic challenges.
According to reports, the delay in salary payment, described by some workers as the worst in recent years, has impacted their livelihoods significantly, especially amid the current economic hardships.
A memo from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation had earlier notified workers of the delay, attributing it to the finalization of the 2024 Appropriation on the GIFMIS platform, which has delayed the release of the Personnel Warrant for January 2024.
The delay is said to affect workers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), prompting calls for swift action from the government. Workers, who rely on their salaries for transportation and basic needs, have expressed frustration and called for prompt payment.
In Ekiti State, workers from various federal institutions, including 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, have voiced their concerns over the delay.
Wole Balogun, an official of FUOYE, attributed the delay to bureaucratic processes and urged the government to expedite the payment, citing the unbearable hardship faced by workers.
Similarly, Folashade Daramola from the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, highlighted the financial strain caused by the delay, especially for workers with loan obligations.
Owoeye Ilesanmi, a staffer of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), criticized the government’s insensitivity, pointing out that workers are also awaiting the payment of a wage award promised by the government.
The delay in salary payment has affected workers’ ability to meet their daily expenses, with some reporting difficulty in commuting to work and providing for their families.
Workers in other states, including Oyo and Katsina, have also expressed dismay over the delay, with some stating that it has affected their work schedules and daily activities.
The situation has sparked debate over the government’s handling of workers’ welfare, especially in light of rising costs of living and economic challenges faced by many Nigerians.
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