Federal civil servants nationwide express discontent over the delay in receiving their December 2023 salaries, leaving them without funds for Christmas festivities.
Many workers, including those in federal ministries, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHoCSF), and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), voiced their disappointment, citing unexpected circumstances.
The situation is reported to extend to federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and associated institutions across the country.
Notably, only employees in revenue-generating agencies such as NNPC, NPA, NIMASA, NCC, CBN, FIRS, among others, received their December salaries.
In interviews with Daily Trust, distressed workers bemoaned the government’s inability to pay their salaries during the Christmas season, impacting their ability to partake in traditional celebrations.
The delay has raised concerns about its repercussions on both their festive activities and the resumption of schools in January.
Some workers expressed their dissatisfaction, highlighting the challenges of making their families happy amid the festive season.
They called on the government to address the issue promptly and transparently. The delay in salary payments during the Christmas season, coupled with previous difficulties in receiving salaries on time, has led to growing frustration among federal workers.
Despite the government’s earlier announcement of a 50% discount on transportation, the delayed salaries hindered many from making travel plans ahead of Christmas, exacerbating the challenges faced by workers.
As the government grapples with economic challenges and subsidy removal, workers emphasize the importance of timely salary payments to ease financial burdens, especially during festive periods. The delay in salary disbursement is viewed as an indictment, with workers urging the government to provide explanations and solutions to ensure timely payments in the future.
OHoCSF Claims Lack of Control over Salary Payments
The Director of Communication at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHoCSF), Mallam Mohammed Ahmed, stated that the office does not have control over salary payments. When contacted, Ahmed expressed belief that the appropriate authorities were taking action to address the issue.
Similarly, the spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Mallam Bawa Mokwa, assured that the payment process was ongoing, and workers could expect to receive their salaries soon.
Despite these statements, a confidential source within the government informed Daily Trust that the delay resulted from a technical glitch, currently under resolution, ensuring that workers would receive their salaries by the end of the day (Monday).
Ada Peter
