Federal workers across Nigeria have expressed outrage over the non-payment of their December salaries, accusing the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) of incompetence, poor administration and failure to fulfil key wage commitments, as more than 95 per cent of workers reportedly remained unpaid as of December 24.
The workers also decried the continued non-implementation of the ₦105,000 wage award earlier announced by the Federal Government as a palliative to cushion the effects of inflation and rising cost of living.
Several affected workers described the situation as frustrating and demoralising, especially coming just days to Christmas, a period traditionally marked by increased financial responsibilities.
“This is no longer about system glitches or excuses; it is clear incompetence and empty promises at the highest level,” a senior civil servant in Abuja said.
“How do you expect workers to celebrate Christmas when salaries are unpaid and wage awards remain mere announcements?”
The delay has heightened anxiety nationwide, as many federal workers depend solely on their monthly earnings to cater for family needs, festive travel and basic living expenses.
Labour unions and workers’ groups have also criticised what they described as poor communication and lack of transparency from the AGF’s office, noting that no official explanation or payment timeline has been issued regarding the delayed salaries.
They recalled that government officials had repeatedly assured workers that salary payment challenges had been resolved following reforms linked to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). However, workers insist the situation has worsened, with salary delays becoming increasingly frequent.
As at press time, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation had not released any official statement explaining the delay in December salary payments or addressing the unpaid ₦105,000 wage award.
With economic pressures mounting and confidence in the system declining, federal workers are calling on the Presidency and relevant authorities to urgently intervene, ensure immediate payment of outstanding salaries and arrears, and restore trust in the Federal Government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
