Federal Government Clears One-Month Wage Award, Pays February Salaries
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a decisive step to settle long-standing wage issues affecting federal civil servants by approving the payment of a one-month wage award arrears and commencing the disbursement of February 2026 salaries to treasury-funded workers.
This development, confirmed by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), marks an important moment in labour relations and government payroll management after months of uncertainty and mounting pressure from organized labour.
The approval and subsequent payout followed weeks of intense negotiations and public agitation by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side), which had issued a Friday, February 27, 2026 ultimatum to the government to release funds to clear three months of outstanding wage awards and other unpaid allowances.
Labour unions warned of potential industrial action if their demands were not met but the government’s move to pay one month of the arrears has helped ease immediate tensions.
According to the Guardian Nigeria, the OAGF received formal approval to release one month’s wage award — part of a ₦35,000 monthly wreath award introduced as a temporary cushion in the wake of economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The wage award was initially designed to support workers until the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, but arrears have accumulated since July 2024 due to funding delays.
Payments for the February 2026 salaries began on Monday, March 2, 2026, after a brief delay triggered by what the government described as a “technical hitch” in the payroll system.
The OAGF stated that the issue has been resolved and safeguards are now in place to prevent future delays, ensuring that federal civil servants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) receive their salaries promptly.
Officials explained that the wage award arrears will continue to be cleared in instalments of ₦35,000 per month until the full three months owed are settled, reflecting a phased approach that balances the government’s fiscal obligations with its commitment to worker welfare. This phased strategy has been reiterated as a practical means for the government to meet its financial commitments without overstretching existing resources.
The settlement of arrears and the timely release of February salaries have brought relief to many civil servants who have endured extended delays. Amid rising living costs and inflationary pressures, the government’s action is seen as a pragmatic response to labour concerns, even as calls for full wage award clearance and broader wage reforms continue.
The situation underscores the ongoing dialogue between the federal government and organized labour in Nigeria — a dynamic shaped by broader economic reforms, fiscal constraints, and the imperative to support public sector workers.
Continuous engagement and transparent implementation of wage agreements remain crucial to maintaining stability within the public service and fostering confidence in government commitments.
This announcement from the FG not only settles part of the wage arrears but also serves as a reminder of the complex balance between fiscal management and workers’ welfare in one of Africa’s largest economies.
Comments