Federal civil servants have called on the Federal Government to urgently clear the outstanding three months of the N35,000 wage award, citing the rising cost of living and the critical role the arrears play in alleviating financial pressures.

The wage award, negotiated with labour unions in 2023, was intended as a temporary cushion to ease workers’ burdens during the government’s ongoing economic reforms.

At the time, labour unions had threatened nationwide strikes if their demands for improved compensation and cost-of-living adjustments were not met.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, a worker, Dr Uche Anune, said the government should not wait until workers protest before fulfilling its obligations.

“I am seeing a pattern that whenever there is anything at stake, the government tends to be relaxed about it until some people start agitating or engaging in some form of protest. That should not be the case,” he said.