The Federal Government has commenced the payment of delayed November salaries to civil servants, bringing relief to workers who endured financial difficulties due to the setback.
The delay was reportedly caused by disruptions during the transition from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). This technical changeover temporarily halted access to funds for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), impacting not only salaries but also other critical programs and projects.
Civil servants expressed frustration over the delay, particularly as many are already grappling with the effects of inflation and economic hardship. The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) raised concerns about the issue, with its national president, Philip Ogunsipe, emphasizing that consistent salary payments are essential for workers’ survival.
In his statement, Ogunsipe said, “Timely salary payments are not just essential, but critical for the sustenance of our members and their families.”
The salary backlog led to financial strain among workers, with some considering extreme measures to cope. A senior official from the Federal Ministry of Defence confirmed the payments, saying, “The salary came in this morning after quite a number of days. Some of us were contemplating staying home because the delay had become too much.”
A teacher at a government school also shared her experience with PUNCH, explaining how close she came to borrowing money before receiving her salary. “I can confirm that my salary came in on Monday morning around 11 am. The government should always consider its workers in times like this,” she said.
