The federal government has assured federal civil servants that payment of the outstanding N35, 000 wage award arrears will commence before the middle of August, saying the necessary release for the exercise is at the final stage, while outstanding promotion arrears are also being processed.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, gave the assurance during a meeting with the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Trade Side, led by its National President, Kabiru Ado Minjibir, in Abuja.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie.

“The Federal Government has assured public servants that the outstanding wage award will be paid before the middle of August, while promotion arrears are being processed as part of ongoing efforts to fulfil its commitments to workers,” the statement said.

The minister said the administration had already begun addressing several of the issues raised by labour even before receiving its formal communication, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remained committed to honouring agreements reached with workers.

“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 give realistic timelines and ensure they are implemented,” he said.

Oyedele disclosed that the approval process for the release of funds had reached its concluding stage and expressed confidence that eligible workers would begin receiving the outstanding wage award before the middle of August.

“The necessary release for payment of the outstanding wage award is being concluded, and we are confident that eligible public servants will begin receiving the payment before the middle of the month,” the minister stated.

He also assured labour leaders that the government was processing outstanding promotion arrears in accordance with established procedures.

He directed officials of the ministry to immediately review all submissions presented by the council, engage relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and fast-track action on unresolved labour issues.

Oyedele acknowledged concerns expressed by organised labour over delays in implementing previous agreements but said the government would continue to build confidence through transparency and regular engagement.

“Our objective is to build a system where issues are resolved proactively. We want workers to have confidence that once the government gives its word, it will honour that commitment,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omenka Omachi, also pledged closer collaboration with organised labour to ensure approved workers’ entitlements are processed without unnecessary delays.

He said the ministry would continue to work with relevant government institutions to accelerate the resolution of pending labour issues.

“The ministry will continue to engage relevant government institutions to fast-track the resolution of outstanding labour issues, stressing that constructive dialogue remains the most effective path to sustaining industrial harmony,” he said.

President Tinubu had approved a N35,000 monthly provisional wage award for federal government workers in October 2023 as a temporary measure to cushion the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy and rising cost of living.

The wage award, which was agreed with organised labour to avert a nationwide strike, was initially approved for six months, pending the conclusion of negotiations on a new national minimum wage.

Although payments began in late 2023, implementation became irregular, leaving several months outstanding.