No more promises: Federal workers storm Finance Ministry over unpaid wage award

DDM News

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has condemned the delay in paying the N35,000 wage award to federal workers.

This wage award was introduced to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal implemented by the federal government, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

In a joint statement, Comrade Itoro Obong and Comrade Razaq Yakubu Oseni demanded immediate payment of the outstanding wage award.

They accused the Accountant General of failing to fulfill a promise to pay immediately after the April salary was released.

The Minister of Finance also reportedly pledged to settle the payment within 48 hours, but no funds have been received.

According to the Forum, federal workers are still waiting for five months’ worth of the wage award since March 2024.

“Just imagine, thirty-five thousand naira meant as a cushion is now difficult for the government to release,” the statement said.

They stressed that repeated promises without action have turned the issue into a prolonged and unnecessary struggle for the workers.

The FWF criticized the government for continually making assurances but failing to implement any concrete steps toward resolving the issue.

They said this persistent delay reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and overall accountability in governance.

They emphasized that federal workers are facing increasing hardship as the cost of living continues to rise across the country.

The N35,000 wage award was introduced as a relief, but the delay has worsened the financial strain on civil servants.

“The outstanding wage award is now a tug of war. This is not good enough,” the Forum emphasized in frustration.

In reaction, the FWF has directed all federal workers in Abuja to resume work at the Finance Ministry on Monday.

They said this move is to pressure the government into releasing the outstanding funds without making further unfulfilled promises.

“We will not entertain any promises again. The time for action has come,” the Forum stated firmly in the release.

They insisted that the workers’ patience has worn thin, and only immediate payment will restore trust and goodwill from employees.

This new directive signals a shift from verbal protests to physical demonstration and occupation of the Finance Ministry’s premises.

The Forum believes this step will highlight the seriousness of their demand and the desperation among struggling federal workers.

They warned that ignoring the situation could lead to greater unrest and more coordinated actions among affected civil servants nationwide.

The FWF’s latest decision adds pressure on the federal government to address the issue and prioritize workers’ financial entitlements.

Kindly share!!

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook