Federal Government Sets Schedule to Pay Outstanding Wage Arrears to Workers
The Federal Government has announced plans to settle the remaining three months’ wage award arrears for workers, starting this month, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has confirmed.
The announcement comes as part of the government’s efforts to resolve ongoing wage disputes with labor unions.
According to the payment schedule provided by the Ministry of Finance, the May 2024 wage award will be paid alongside February salaries.
The June 2024 wage award will follow after the March salaries are disbursed, while the July 2024 wage award will be paid after April salaries.
The disclosure was made during a high-level meeting between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.
The meeting aimed to find a lasting solution to wage arrears and prevent industrial actions.
The outcome of the talks has successfully averted planned picketing by labor unions at the Ministry of Finance.
Union leaders had threatened to take their protest to the ministry if a clear payment plan was not agreed upon.
Wale Edun emphasized that the government is committed to meeting its obligations to workers while ensuring fiscal discipline.
He noted that the staggered payment plan was designed to balance timely wage payments with the country’s economic realities.
Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi also hailed the collaboration between the government and labor unions, describing it as a demonstration of constructive dialogue in addressing workers’ welfare issues.
He assured that the government remains open to further discussions to maintain industrial peace.
Workers and labor leaders have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the implementation of the payment schedule will ease financial burdens and strengthen trust between the government and employees.
The government has promised to keep workers informed as each tranche of arrears is disbursed.