In keeping with its promise, the federal government of Nigeria has finally started paying the N35,000 wage award arrears to federal civil servants nationwide.

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation confirmed, in a statement issued on Monday, that several employees have received credit alerts, while others will receive theirs soon.

The statement signed by the OAGF Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, assured that all outstanding payments would be fully disbursed.

In 2023, the government negotiated a palliative package with the labour unions following the removal of the fuel subsidy and naira devaluation.

Part of this package was the wage award, a monthly payment of N35,000 to all federal civil servants for a period of five months as a temporary measure to help workers cope with the rising cost of living.

At the time, labour unions had warned of a possible nationwide strike unless the government took concrete steps to ease workers' hardships. Some payments were made in batches, but several others were delayed, causing concerns over the government’s intentions.

In an earlier report, the federal government confirmed intentions to start paying the five-month arrears. The OAGF had assured that after the April 2025 monthly salary was paid, the workers would receive the first tranche of the N35,000 payment.

The statement from the OAGF also refuted reports from some online media claiming that the wage award was not captured in the 2025 national budget.

It explained that the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Babatunde Ogunjimi, did not brief the press on the matter of the wage award at all, and some media outlets made assumptions, the PUNCH reports.

He also assured that the arrears would be settled and said; “The payments would be done in instalments of N35,000 for five months.”

Speaking with Legit.ng, Olugbenga Odutola, a civil servant, expressed appreciation for the federal government's move.

He described the move as a genuine show of commitment from the government, adding that it would help ease financial pressure on the workers.

He said: "Beyond individual relief, the payment will inject more money into circulation, stimulate spending, and boost economic activity across various sectors. It also strengthens the relationship between workers and the government, promoting trust and productivity." Coupled with the state-by-state implementation of the agreed minimum wage, civil servants can begin to feel some relief in the coming months.