Civil servants have urged the federal government to immediately pay the outstanding two months of the N35,000 wage award, saying the delay has worsened hardship amid rising inflation and living costs.

The workers made the appeal in separate interviews on Tuesday in Abuja. They said the delayed payment had compounded financial difficulties, as inflation continued to erode their salaries’ value.

Ijeoma Okigbo described the prolonged delay as demoralising, saying workers had waited months without knowing when the arrears would be paid. She said the worsening economy had placed enormous pressure on families, leaving many civil servants struggling to meet basic needs.

“Sometimes, in situations like this, you don’t even know what to say because this is the money that we have been expecting. The country is getting hard, the economy is biting, and the inflation is getting worse,” she said.

Mr Okigbo urged the government to move beyond promises and commence payment before other national priorities diverted attention from the commitment.

Salamatu Umaru said she no longer raised her expectations about the payment to avoid disappointment.

“Any expectation from this government, if I see it, I will take it. If I don’t see it, I don’t put my mind on it because it will only make me worried and stressed. Those making these decisions do not even know that you exist. If they pay it, we will appreciate it, but if they don’t, life still has to go on,” she said.

Kenneth Ukpara said civil servants were among those hardest hit by prevailing economic challenges. He said the additional money would help workers purchase food and other household necessities.

Mr Ukpara appealed to the government to pay the outstanding two months at once to enable workers to meet pressing financial obligations.

Grace Ekanem said the wage award would provide temporary relief for workers burdened by rising transport costs, school fees and food prices.

“We are not asking for luxury. We are asking for what was promised. Many workers now borrow before the end of every month because salaries can no longer meet basic needs,” she said.

Abdullahi Musa said prompt payment of workers’ entitlements would boost morale and strengthen confidence in government.

“When agreements are honoured, workers become more committed and productive. We hope the government will fulfil this promise without further delay because many families are depending on it,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu announced the N35,000 provisional wage award on October 1, 2023, as a six-month cost-of-living support for treasury-paid federal workers. The measure was introduced to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and rising living costs.

Many federal workers, however, said two months of the wage award remained unpaid.

(NAN)