Christmas celebrations have been dampened for many federal civil servants in Nigeria due to the delay in the payment of December 2024 salaries. Reports confirm that many workers received their November wages only in the second week of December, leaving them with little time to prepare for the holiday season.
Sources within the civil service revealed that the delay stemmed from technical issues related to the migration to a new payment platform, as well as challenges within the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
At the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, several civil servants expressed frustration over the situation. One worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “I had hoped to celebrate the holidays with my family, but without my salary, that’s just not possible. November salaries came late, and now December is also delayed. We’re really struggling.”
Another civil servant added, “We expected delays after the November payment, but it’s hard to prepare for Christmas when prices are soaring, and there’s no money to spend on gifts, food, or travel.”
The Federal Government acknowledged the delays, with Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, Accountant-General of the Federation, attributing the issue to shortfalls in allocations to some ministries and agencies. While Madein confirmed that salaries were processed, workers have yet to receive their pay, leaving many uncertain about their financial futures heading into the New Year.
This ongoing payment delay highlights the pressing need for reforms in the civil service payment system, especially as workers face growing economic pressures during the holiday season.
