The Federal Government has begun paying the second batch of the N35,000 wage award arrears to civil servants, a move aimed at fulfilling its promise to ease the financial pressure on federal workers.

According to a statement released on Friday in Abuja by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), the payment is part of the palliative measures introduced last year to help workers cope with the rising cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms.

Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, explained that one month’s arrears had already been paid earlier, leaving four months outstanding. With this latest payment, the balance now stands at three months.

The N35,000 monthly wage award was agreed upon during talks between the Federal Government and organised labour as a temporary relief until a new minimum wage is implemented.

Addressing rumours that the government had abandoned the wage award, the Accountant General’s office insisted this was not the case. Payments, it said, are simply being made in phases.

“The Federal Government has not reneged on its obligation. The wage award arrears will continue to be paid in instalments of N35,000 per month until the outstanding balance is completely settled,” the statement assured.

This comes as labour unions continue to push for broader salary increases and improved welfare for public sector employees, amid rising inflation and economic hardship.

While this latest tranche is unlikely to solve all the financial struggles workers face, it may help to cool tensions between the government and organised labour at least for now.