The Federal Government has assured public servants that the outstanding wage award will be paid before the middle of August, while promotion arrears are also being processed as part of ongoing efforts to fulfil its commitments to workers.
The assurance was given during a meeting between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Trade Side, led by its National President, Kabiru Minjibir.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, the minister said the government had already begun addressing several of the issues raised by the council even before receiving its formal communication.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to resolving legitimate labour concerns through constructive engagement.
“When government makes commitments, it delivers. We are not in the habit of making promises that cannot be fulfilled. Where there are outstanding issues, we will provide realistic timelines and ensure they are implemented,” the minister said.
He disclosed that the necessary approvals for the payment of the outstanding wage award were being finalised, expressing confidence that eligible public servants would begin receiving the payments before mid-August.
The minister further assured the delegation that outstanding promotion arrears were receiving the required attention, with pending batches being processed in line with established procedures.
He also directed relevant officials to review all documents submitted by the council, liaise with the appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and fast-track action on outstanding issues requiring government intervention.
While acknowledging labour’s concerns over delays in implementing some agreements, the minister said the Federal Government would continue to strengthen trust through transparency, regular consultations and prompt action.
“Our objective is to build a system where issues are resolved proactively. We want workers to have confidence that once government gives its word, it will honour that commitment,” he added.
Earlier, JPSNC President Kabiru Minjibir commended the minister for meeting with the delegation and urged the government to expedite the resolution of outstanding labour issues, including the wage award, promotion arrears, salary relativity concerns affecting health workers, and other matters impacting public servants.
He noted that the timely implementation of the government’s commitments would promote industrial harmony and boost workers’ confidence in the administration.
