A report indicates that federal civil servants in 12 government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) could face salary delays from October to December 2024.
The delay is linked to budget shortages for personnel expenses due to the approval of a new minimum wage.
The Voice of Nigeria (VON) informed its employees of this development in an internal circular. Issued by the Director of Finance on behalf of the Director-General, Jack Odeh, on October 22, 2024, the notice explained that the delay results from the 40 percent CONPSS Peculiar Allowance, which had not been included in the 2024 budget. This allowance impacted the personnel budget, exhausting funds earlier than expected.
The circular also noted that salary payments from October to December would need additional support from the Service Wide Vote, leading to minor delays in payments. It read, “Consequent to the Federal Government’s implementation of the minimum wage in September 2024, and the non-inclusion of the 40 percent CONPSS Peculiar Allowance in the 2024 budget, the Voice of Nigeria personnel budget has been exhausted. VON’s personnel cost from October to December 2024 will, therefore, have to be augmented from the Service Wide Vote. We regret to inform the staff and management that there will be a slight delay in the payment of salaries for the period of October to December 2024.”
The notice further stated that obtaining necessary approvals for the Service Wide Vote is still in process, affecting not only VON but other MDAs. “This is due to the ongoing process of augmentation, which requires necessary approvals from relevant authorities for VON and other ministries, departments, and agencies involved,” it read.
Staff members have confirmed the situation, with one stating, “Yes, we are affected. We got a circular that our salaries for October, November, and December are going to be delayed, but they didn’t give any tangible explanation.” Another employee at the News Agency of Nigeria shared, “I haven’t seen my salary, but our colleagues informed me that they have started paying. It lingered, but they have started paying.” This employee also noted inconsistencies in the payment of the new minimum wage.
Addressing the situation, Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, assured that the delay affects no more than 12 MDAs and confirmed that salary payments have begun. He stated, “That issue is already solved. The affected civil servants will get their salaries. We have taken care of it. For this month, any ministry that hasn’t got it will get it from today. They will be paid.”
Bawa also dismissed concerns about the delays extending through the end of the year, stating, “No, it won’t be till the end of this year. We have resolved it.”
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