Amid the joyous season, federal civil servants nationwide are voicing frustration over the non-payment of their December 2023 salaries, leading to subdued Christmas celebrations.
Bemoaning the situation, many employees lamented that the absence of their salaries had significantly impacted their holiday festivities and family well-being, especially for those with no savings.
Expressing their disappointment, workers highlighted their inability to uphold traditional Christmas merriments, including festive cooking and social visits, due to financial constraints.
Reports from Daily Trust revealed the widespread dissatisfaction among employees in federal ministries, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHoCSF), and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) concerning the unforeseen delay.
Similarly affected were staff in federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and associated institutions nationwide. Notably, only employees in revenue-generating agencies such as NNPC, NPA, NIMASA, NCC, CBN, FIRS, among others, received their December salaries.
In candid interviews with Daily Trust, distressed workers decried the government’s failure to disburse salaries, especially during the festive season.
Reflecting on the impact, one employee remarked, “Despite the general misgivings about previous administrations, I cannot remember anytime our December salaries were delayed.”
Amid the prevailing economic challenges, the delay disrupted travel plans despite the government’s announced transportation discount, leaving many disheartened.
Furthermore, workers expressed concern about the adverse effects of the delayed payment on January activities, particularly school resumptions.
Voicing dissatisfaction, a University of Abuja lecturer conveyed disappointment, stating, “How can you be happy when you cannot make your family happy at this auspicious occasion?”
Expressing frustration, another worker demanded accountability from the government, emphasizing that the minimum expectation was timely salary disbursement.
Amidst explanations from government representatives citing ongoing processes, a top official anonymously disclosed technical glitches causing the delay, assuring that salaries would be disbursed by the end of Monday.
