Federal judiciary workers cry out over non-payment of wage awards, salary adjustment

Federal judiciary workers have raised concerns over the non-payment of their 25% and 35% salary adjustments approved for January 2024, the outstanding wage awards for three to five months in 2024, and the incomplete implementation of the new N70,000 national minimum wage.

The workers voiced their frustrations in separate interviews marking this year’s Workers’ Day celebrations, urging the Federal Government to address their grievances without further delay.

Speaking anonymously on Thursday, one judiciary staff member said:“We are appealing for the immediate implementation of the new national minimum wage, the 25% and 35% salary adjustments for January 2024, and the payment of five months’ outstanding wage awards.”

The worker contrasted their plight with the recent swift approval and implementation of a 300% salary increase for judges last year.

“Our judges’ salary increase was presented to the National Assembly, signed into law by the lawmakers, approved by the President, and implemented immediately, including arrears,” he said. “Meanwhile, we—the judiciary workers—continue to wait. We work alongside these judges in the same courts, shop in the same markets, visit the same hospitals, and send our children to the same schools.”

He added: “Despite our dedication, we are yet to receive what is due to us. We are pleading with the President, lawmakers, and all Nigerians to hear our cry. We deserve the 25% and 35% salary adjustments, the N70,000 minimum wage, and the outstanding wage awards.”