Federal civil servants in 12 government ministries, departments, and agencies may experience delays in salary payments between October and December 2024, according to findings.
The delays are due to the exhaustion of budget allocations for personnel costs, largely prompted by the recent approval of the new minimum wage. A notice issued to employees at the Voice of Nigeria confirmed this information.
The circular, sent by Director of Finance Jack Odeh on October 22, 2024, titled “Notice of Delay in October 2024 Salary,” explained that the delay was caused by the payment of a 40 percent CONPSS Peculiar Allowance, which was not factored into the 2024 budget.
It stated that personnel costs from October to December 2024 would need to be covered by the Service Wide Vote, resulting in a slight delay in salary payments.
Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, noted that the issue affected only 12 MDAs but did not specify which ones.
The notice indicated that due to the implementation of the minimum wage in September 2024 and the omission of the 40 percent CONPSS Peculiar Allowance from the budget, the personnel budget for the Voice of Nigeria had been depleted.
Staff members confirmed the situation, with one stating, “Yes, we are affected. We received a circular informing us that our salaries for October, November, and December will be delayed, but no detailed explanation was provided.”
Another employee from the News Agency of Nigeria mentioned that while some colleagues had started receiving salaries, they had yet to see their payments and noted fluctuations in salary since the current administration took over.
In response, Bawa stated that the issue had been resolved and that affected civil servants would begin receiving their salaries from Thursday. He clarified, “We have taken care of it. For this month, any ministry that hasn’t received will get paid today. I don’t know precisely, but it cannot be more than 12 MDAs.”
He also dismissed claims that the salary delays would extend until the end of the year, assuring that the matter had been addressed
Peoplesmind
