Federal civil servants in 12 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) may experience delays in their salary payments from October through December due to budget constraints, The PUNCH has found.
This delay stems from the exhaustion of personnel budgets following the implementation of the recently approved minimum wage, as well as an additional 40 percent CONPSS Peculiar Allowance, which was not factored into the 2024 budget.
A circular from the Voice of Nigeria’s (VON) Director of Finance, Jack Odeh, dated October 22, 2024, and titled “Notice of Delay in October 2024 Salary,” informed public servants of the likely delay.
According to the circular, personnel costs for October through December will be covered by the Service Wide Vote, causing slight delays as approvals are awaited from relevant authorities.
“Consequent to the Federal Government implementation of the minimum wage in September 2024, and the non-inclusion of the 40 percent CONPSS Peculiar Allowance in the 2024 budget, the Voice of Nigeria personnel budget has been exhausted,” read the circular. “VON’s personnel cost from the month of October to December 2024 will therefore have to be augmented from the Service Wide Vote.”
While some staff members have already reported receiving their salaries, others have not, citing ongoing fluctuations in pay cycles since the current administration took office.
A News Agency of Nigeria employee said, “I haven’t seen my salary, but my colleagues have informed me that payment has started, though the new minimum wage hasn’t been paid yet.”
In response, Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, assured that the delays are short-term and confirmed the issue has been resolved. “The affected civil servants will get their salaries from today (Thursday).
We have addressed the problem, and any ministry awaiting payment will receive it,” he said, adding that only about 12 MDAs were impacted.
Mokwa also clarified that the delay would not persist through the end of the year, emphasizing, “No, it won’t be till the end of this year. We have resolved it.”
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