After a long wait, the federal government has officially implemented the new minimum wage. Civil servants on the federal payroll are set to start receiving the increased payment from Thursday, September 26, 2024.
This information was confirmed by Bawa Mokwa, spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST.
Mokwa assured that federal workers will begin receiving the new minimum wage, but he did not clarify whether any arrears would be paid. He stated, “Federal Government civil servants will start getting the new minimum wage today, September 26, 2024. I can confirm the wage payment will begin, but I am unsure about the arrears.”
The new minimum wage, approved by the Senate and signed into law by the president on July 18, 2024, is set at N70,000. However, during July and August, the previous wage remained in effect, meaning workers were not paid their full salaries for those two months and are owed arrears. Mokwa’s comments raise questions about the government’s willingness to pay these arrears.
Additionally, concerns remain regarding states’ capacity to adopt the new minimum wage and pay their workers accordingly. Many states have not yet begun paying even the old wage, casting doubt on their ability to comply with the new rate.
Ekpo Nta, Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, confirmed on Tuesday that the government has approved an upward review of the consolidated public service salary structure (CONPSS) in accordance with the Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024.
