FG denies salary delay claims, assures of wage award soon

The government has debunked claims that civil servants are yet to receive their December salaries, dismissing social media reports and opposition criticism as unfounded.

The denial comes after weeks of online speculation and accusations from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of alleged salary delays. PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba described the non-payment as “insensitive and unacceptable,” accusing the government of weaponizing poverty and suppressing Nigerians.

However, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) swiftly countered the claims, stating that salaries have been paid to all federal civil servants. Spokesperson Bawa Mokwa confirmed in a Saturday interview with The Punch that payments commenced the previous Friday, with most staff receiving them by the day before yesterday.

“The salaries have been paid,” Mokwa asserted. “People have started getting their salaries from last week Friday. Most people got it a day before yesterday. Check with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Confirm with them that salaries have been paid.”

Mokwa further clarified that the wage award due to civil servants, separate from the December salaries, is being processed and will be disbursed “as soon as possible.” A top official corroborated this in a federal ministry, who confirmed receiving their December salary but not the wage award.

While acknowledging recent delayed salary payments, the OAGF maintained that such occurrences are infrequent and not indicative of a systemic issue. Notably, some November 2023 salaries were disbursed in early December, but the government attributed this to technical processing glitches and assured prompt resolution.

President Tinubu’s administration remains under scrutiny for its economic performance, with the PDP seizing any perceived missteps to amplify its criticism. However, the swift rebuttal of the December salary delay allegations suggests the government seeks to maintain fiscal stability and promptly address public concerns.

The upcoming disbursement of the wage award will be closely watched, as it represents a crucial financial boost for government employees during the festive season. The government’s handling of this and future salary payments will likely remain a focal point of political discourse in the coming months.