Federal civil servants across 12 ministries, departments, and agencies may face salary delays from October to December 2024, according to revelations by The PUNCH. The primary reason for the impending delays is the depletion of personnel budget allocations following the implementation of a new minimum wage. A recent circular from the Voice of Nigeria’s management, dated October 22, 2024, elucidated that the salary payments are affected by the earlier exclusion of a 40 percent CONPSS Peculiar Allowance from the current budget. As a result, the Ministry of Finance is working to integrate these personnel costs from a central Service Wide Vote, leading to the expected delays in salary distribution.
The circular from the Voice of Nigeria reflects a broader issue affecting 12 ministries and agencies, although the specifics of these agencies remain undisclosed. The director of the finance department emphasized the impact of the recently adopted minimum wage, coupled with the budgetary oversight concerning the additional allowance not being factored into the fiscal planning for 2024. This oversight has resulted in the exhaustion of available funds designated for personnel, compelling the agency to seek approvals for augmentations that may delay salary disbursements.
Concerned personnel at the Voice of Nigeria have corroborated these developments, acknowledging the receipt of notifications regarding the delayed salaries. An employee reported that while some staff have started receiving their dues, many are still awaiting payment. There were also comments from staff at the News Agency of Nigeria attesting to the veracity of the payment delays, highlighting discrepancies in the payment of minimum wages, which have not been consistent throughout the current administration, unlike prior governments.
Addressing the situation, Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, provided some reassurance stating that the salary issues affecting civil servants have been resolved. He indicated that affected employees should expect timely payments beginning Thursday, countering the earlier anxiety that delays might extend into the end of the year. Although the situation appears to be under control now, it has stirred concerns among public servants regarding the impact of inadequate budget planning and wage adjustment integration.
The challenges posed by the financial and administrative adjustments highlight the ongoing struggles within the public sector, especially concerning fiscal management and timely compensation for workers. Employees voiced frustration over the lack of transparency and the fluctuating nature of salary payments under the current administration, emphasizing the need for improved administrative processes to avoid recurring financial distress in public service remuneration.
As these issues come to light, the government faces scrutiny regarding its fiscal planning effectiveness, particularly in accommodating changes such as new wage implementations. The experience of public servants during this timeframe serves as a critical reminder of the importance of comprehensive budgeting practices and responsive administrative action, ensuring that employees are not left vulnerable during transitional periods in government financial policy.
