Selective Payment of New Minimum Wage Sparks Worker Outrage
Tensions are rising among federal public workers as the Federal Government has reportedly made selective payments of the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage. While some workers have received additional funds in their September salaries, many others have not seen any change, sparking widespread frustration and claims of discrimination.
Several employees of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including workers at federal universities, expressed their discontent, accusing the government of insensitivity in the face of growing economic hardship. These workers, who are yet to receive the minimum wage adjustment, have voiced concerns over the delay and the government’s failure to implement the new wage law effectively.
Frustration Among Workers
Speaking to Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, one worker from a federal MDA expressed deep frustration over the situation:
“We are fed up with the whole system. It is bad enough that the government removed fuel subsidies, causing unbearable suffering, hunger, and hardship. Now, after months of waiting for the minimum wage law to be implemented, many of us have not seen a single naira added to our salaries.”
The worker criticized what he described as “selective payment” and “salary slavery,” noting that some employees in the core civil service had received salary increases while others, including university staff, were left behind. This perceived inequality has led to accusations of discrimination, as all workers are facing the same economic challenges.
Many workers have reportedly been forced to adopt extreme measures to cope with their financial difficulties, including sleeping at their offices to avoid transportation costs or resorting to self-imposed fasting due to a lack of money for food.
Differing Accounts From Government Offices
Sources from the offices of the Accountant-General and Budget and National Planning provided conflicting reports regarding the implementation of the minimum wage. The Accountant-General’s office claimed that the new wage was applied in the September payroll, while a Budget Office source stated that a temporary flat rate of N40,000 was paid to all federal workers.
The temporary payment, according to the Budget Office, was a stopgap measure while the official template for the new minimum wage was finalized. However, many workers have denied receiving this payment, exacerbating the confusion surrounding the implementation process.
The N40,000 payment, which appears in pay slips as the “minimum wage,” was intended to bridge the gap until the finalized wage template could be applied in October. It was explained that workers who were previously earning the N30,000 minimum wage would see their pay raised to N70,000, with the N40,000 addition representing the difference.
Reactions From Labour Leaders
The selective nature of the payments has drawn sharp criticism from labor unions. Benjamin Anthony, President of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), decried the situation, stating that only a small number of workers had received any increase in their pay, leaving the majority in financial limbo.
“We are in touch with the Office of the Head of Service and IPPIS. They told us they are making efforts to pay, but this is bad news for workers. Hunger is everywhere, and many families are struggling to send their children back to school.”
Ibeji Nwokoma, President of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), also voiced concern over the delay, emphasizing the severe economic strain it has placed on workers.
“Government has fallen short of expectations. People are parking their cars, unable to afford transportation or school fees for their children. We keep hearing that payment will be made today or tomorrow, but there is no certainty. This situation has eroded productivity and trust in the government.”
Mohammed Ibrahim, President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), echoed these sentiments, noting that the delay in payments had left university workers particularly vulnerable. Many of his members travel long distances to work, and with the current economic climate, their morale and productivity have been negatively impacted.
Looking Ahead: October Payments and Arrears
As of now, the government has promised that the full implementation of the new minimum wage template will take effect in October. In addition, arrears dating back to August will be calculated and paid out, although the N40,000 already distributed will be deducted from the total arrears owed to workers.
While workers await the October payroll, many remain skeptical about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises, given the delays and confusion that have plagued the process so far. The ongoing frustration has fueled discontent across the civil service, with workers calling for swift action to address the growing economic hardships they face.
Social Media Reactions
- “Selective payment of minimum wage? How is that fair? We all face the same economic crisis. The government needs to do better!” – @RealNaijaWorker
- “How can they say they paid N40k across the board when many of us received nothing? Something is seriously wrong.” – @MDAFrustration
- “Why pay some workers and leave others? The FG should stop playing games with people’s livelihoods.” – @AngryStaff
- “Minimum wage was signed into law in July, and we’re still waiting for payment in October. Ridiculous!” – @WageWarrior
- “This government has really let us down. They’re making it harder for Nigerians to survive.” – @HopeFading
- “The minimum wage should be paid to all workers, no excuses!” – @FairWageForAll
- “How are we supposed to trust the government when they can’t even implement their own wage laws?” – @NoMoreExcuses
- “We need transparency. Some workers got paid, others didn’t. What’s going on?” – @DemandClarity
- “N40k is not enough to live on in this economy. We need real change, not half measures.” – @CostOfLivingCrisis
- “We’re tired of promises. It’s time for action. Pay the minimum wage now!” – @ActionNowNaija
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