The Federal Government of Nigeria has recently begun the process of paying 40% pay rise arrears to civil servants across the country, with reports indicating that workers have started receiving bank alerts of the arrears.
Our correspondent spoke to some federal civil servants who confirmed the development, with one noting that the arrears came in alongside the April 2023 salary. The pay raise was proposed by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), as a way to cushion the impact of the planned removal of fuel subsidy.
It is worth noting that the pay increase is applicable to all workers from level 1 to 17, according to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Olajide Oshundun.
Earlier in March, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, disclosed that the Federal Government had approved a pay raise for civil servants in the country. He added that the pay rise had been included in the 2023 budget, noting that it would take effect from January 1, 2023.
Ngige described the pay raise as a peculiar allowance for civil servants in view of the current economic reality, and it is meant to help government workers to cushion the effects of rising inflation, the rising cost of living, hikes in transportation fare, housing, and electricity tariffs.
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The arrears payment is, therefore, a positive development for civil servants, who have been struggling to make ends meet amidst the country’s economic challenges.
