March 2, 2026 | Abuja — SUNTV Global Channel
The Federal Government has confirmed that the delay in the payment of February salaries to treasury-funded workers was caused by a technical system failure, assuring that disbursement has now commenced nationwide.
In an official statement released Monday in Abuja, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation said the issue had been fully resolved, with payments beginning on March 2, 2026.
According to the statement, signed by Director of Press and Public Relations Bawa Mokwa, authorities described the delay as unintended and attributed it to a temporary technical hitch within the payment system.
“The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has commenced payment of February 2026 salaries to Federal Government treasury-funded workers. Payments began on Monday, March 2, 2026,” the statement read.
Officials further revealed that additional safeguards have now been installed to prevent similar disruptions in future salary cycles.
Workers’ Anxiety and Labour Pressure
The delay had sparked widespread concern among federal civil servants, who typically receive their salaries before month-end. Many workers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies expressed worry as rising living costs and unresolved wage issues continue to strain household finances.
The government also addressed the lingering wage award controversy, announcing that approval has been secured to pay one month of arrears out of the three months owed to workers.
The wage award was introduced as a temporary relief measure to cushion the effects of economic reforms and soaring inflation on public sector employees. However, repeated delays in payment have intensified frustration within the civil service.
Unions Maintain Pressure
Last week, the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) issued a February 27 ultimatum demanding immediate release of funds to settle outstanding wage awards and allowances.
In a letter sent to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the unions warned that failure to comply would trigger industrial action by eight affiliated civil service unions.
Although salary payments have now begun, labour leaders insist that resolving the remaining wage arrears and entitlements remains critical — warning that tensions within the federal workforce could persist if the issues are not swiftly addressed.
— Reported by SUNTV Global Channel
