The Federal Government on Monday attributed the delay in the payment of salaries in some ministries, departments and agencies to the fact that the 2020 Budget was passed into law before the conclusion of negotiation on the new minimum wage and its consequential adjustment.
It said the provision made for salaries of some MDAs based on previous salaries had been exhausted, hence the delay in the payment of the October salary of some workers.
The Director of Information, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olawunmi Ogunmosunle, in a statement made available to journalists, quoted the HOCS, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, as making the clarification.
The statement titled, ‘FG explains delay in payment of October salary,’ came amidst rising tension among the affected federal workers.
Some of the affected workers were said to have stormed the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation at the Federal Secretariat Complex in the early hours of the day to demand the payment of their salaries.
Although Ogunmosunle denied knowledge of such protest, she admitted delay in payment of October salary, saying a committee was already working to resolve the issue.
“While appreciating civil servants for their patience, the Head of Service also informed them that she is in touch with the Director-General, Budget Office, who assured her that salaries will be paid by the end of this week,” the statement added.