President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime has advised police officers and civil officials in the federal government’s ministries, departments, and agencies to spend their November paychecks wisely because their December pay may not arrive until January 2022.
Circulars obtained by Peoples Gazette demonstrate that a delay in November pay has thrown their Christmas plans into chaos.
“Due to the repeated trends of budgetary shortfalls and its attendant effect on the payment of salaries in recent times across several MDAS,” said a memo signed by FMC Keffi’s head of finance and accounting, Samson Adegoke, on November 25.
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While assuring public servants and heads of departments of the FMC’s efforts to avoid “unnecessary delays,” Mr Adegoke advised them to be cautious with their expenditures as the holiday season approaches.
“As a result, all employees are advised to exercise caution in spending their November 2021 salary and to set aside funds for Christmas celebrations,” the memo stated.
Similarly, in a signal message, the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Usman, alerted all departments and commissioners of police across Nigeria of the November salary delay.
“Information received from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation’s Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System unit indicates a delay in the processing of funds salaries, implying a delay in payment of November salaries,” Mr Usman said in a signal message sent around 1:50 p.m. on December 3.
Nonetheless, the police chief praised the officers’ sacrifices and dedication, promising them that the delay would be kept to a minimum.
He also ordered that all assistant inspectors general of police and police commissioners give a presentation to officers on the salary delay.
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While President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has relied on foreign loans to fund important projects and pay workers’ salaries, the delay could exacerbate police extortion and corruption among state servants during the holiday season.
Extortion and harassment of Nigerians have continued despite nationwide rallies against police brutality and corruption.
