Federal civil servants under the employment of the Nigerian government are experiencing a bleak Christmas season as the delay in the payment of December 2024 salaries takes a toll on their festive plans.

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Reports indicate that many workers only received their November salaries in mid-December, leaving little financial cushion for the holiday period. The delay, attributed to technical challenges with a new payment platform and shortfalls in government allocations, has sparked frustration among employees.

At the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, several workers shared their plight. A civil servant, speaking anonymously, said, “I planned to travel for Christmas, but with no salary in sight, that’s no longer possible. We’ve been managing since November, but this delay has made things worse.”

Another worker said the situation was unsurprising given the late payment of November wages. “We anticipated this, but it’s still tough. Food prices are high, and we can’t afford the basics for the holidays,” she lamented.

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, earlier confirmed that salaries had been processed but linked the delays to budgetary constraints affecting various ministries and agencies.

As civil servants wait for their pay, the financial strain underscores the urgent need for reforms to ensure timely salary payments, especially during critical periods like the holiday season.