By Gabriella Ogbu
Federal civil servants are enduring a subdued Christmas due to delayed December 2024 salary payments.
Frustration mounts as many workers struggle financially following similar delays in November.
Most workers received their November salaries only in mid-December, leaving many in debt as holiday preparations began.
Sources attribute the delays to issues at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and challenges with a new payment platform.
At the Federal Secretariat on Tuesday, workers expressed their discontent.
A civil servant, speaking anonymously, said, “I’m not traveling for the holidays because I don’t have the money. Our November salaries were late, and we’re facing the same issue in December.”
Another worker lamented the increased cost of living, adding, “Even basic necessities like clothes and food for my children are now difficult to afford without timely salaries.”
An Assistant Director outside Abuja described the situation as “too much,” saying, “We can’t even afford basic items like chicken for Christmas.
The government must address this.”
The Federal Government acknowledged the delays, citing budgetary shortfalls and the impact of the new minimum wage.
Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Accountant-General’s Office, assured that payments began on Monday, though disbursement depends on individual banks.
Budget challenges have compounded the problem. In 2024, wage-related allocations for MDAs were slashed by 45%, affecting salary payments.
However, the proposed 2025 budget earmarks ₦7.54 trillion for salaries—a significant increase from 2024.
Despite this, rising debt servicing costs, projected at ₦16.33 trillion in 2025, continue to outpace wage allocations, exacerbating financial struggles for civil servants nationwide.
