Labour Outraged and are up in arms after the Federal Government abruptly halted the payment of the N35,000 wage award previously agreed upon. This move has sparked outrage and accusations of broken promises, jeopardizing the fragile peace between the government and organized labour.
The N35,000 wage award was a key component of an agreement reached in October 2023 aimed at cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices. The agreement stipulated that the award would be paid to all federal workers effective September 2023. However, recent reports indicate that the government has suspended the payments without explanation, leaving workers feeling frustrated and betrayed.

The organized labor and the Federal Government are on a collision course over the government’s failure to sustain the payment of the N35,000 wage award to workers.
Explore Gwariloaded For Latest Hausa Music And Updates
Workers in the Federal Civil Service, in separate interviews with our correspondent on Monday, noted that the Federal Government only paid the N35,000 wage award for September.
Following the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on his assumption of office, the Federal Government agreed to pay N35,000 to each of its workers to reduce the hardship caused by the subsidy removal.
The government, in a memo signed by the Chairman, National Salaries Wages and Income Commission, Ekpo Nta, stated that the payment of the wage award would begin to take effect from September 1, 2023.
However, findings by our correspondent indicated that the government only paid the wage award for September.

A senior civil servant in one of the core ministries, departments, and agencies said, “The wage award was only paid once, and I assume that was the one for September. Since then, we have not received another. We all are confused as there has been no official communication from the government as regards the matter. We are all confused at the moment.”
Another civil servant, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said, “What you heard is true. We have not received anything else other than the initial wage award which was paid. The government cannot continue to let the citizens suffer. Our take-home salaries cannot even take us home any longer at this point.”
Also speaking with our correspondent, a civil servant in one of the Federal Government-owned schools in Abuja noted that the workers were only paid the wage award for one month.
“We only received for one month, which I assume was for September. Though the peculiar allowance introduced by the former administration is still being paid alongside our salaries, we have not received any such thing as a wage award. The government needs to stop playing games with our emotions.”
Labour Expresses Anger and Disappointment:
- Union leaders condemned the government’s surprise move, labelling it a betrayal of trust and a blatant disregard for the previous agreement.
- Workers expressed anger and disappointment, questioning the government’s commitment to their well-being and accusing them of prioritizing other interests over their basic needs.
- Threats of industrial action have surfaced, with unions hinting at potential strikes and protests if the government fails to address the issue promptly.
Potential Implications of the Government’s Action:

- Strained relationship with Labour: The government’s decision could severely damage its relationship with organized labour, potentially leading to increased tension and instability.
- Disrupted industrial harmony: The suspension of the wage award could trigger industrial unrest, impacting productivity and economic activity.
- Erosion of trust: This broken promise could erode trust in the government’s ability to honor its agreements and commitments, further fueling public discontent.
Urgent Need for Resolution:
To prevent further escalation and maintain industrial harmony, the government needs to take immediate action to address Labour’s concerns. This includes:
- Providing a clear explanation for the suspension of the wage award payments.
- Engaging in open and constructive dialogue with Labour representatives to find a solution.
- Honoring the previously agreed-upon terms and ensuring the timely disbursement of the N35,000 wage award to all eligible workers.
The government’s decision to suspend the N35,000 wage award is a significant setback in its efforts to maintain a stable relationship with organized labour. With growing unrest and threats of industrial action, it is imperative for the government to prioritize dialogue, transparency, and a genuine commitment to upholding its agreements to ensure a peaceful and productive future for all stakeholders.
Explore Naijaecho.com.ng For More News