Despite a steady rise in allocations from the Federation Account and improved internally generated revenue (IGR), several state governments, including Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Plateau and Imo, have failed to announce any end-of-year bonus or 13th-month salary for workers, heightening concerns over government priorities as civil servants grapple with worsening economic hardship.
Findings by PLATFORM TIMES across the states reveal a growing sense of frustration among workers, many of whom say the silence from their governments contrasts sharply with public claims of fiscal stability and expanding revenues.
While a few states have moved to cushion the festive season for workers through bonuses and special allowances, the majority have either ruled out such payments or offered no clarity, leaving workers uncertain barely days to Christmas.
Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Abia Stand Out
In sharp contrast, Oyo State has sustained what workers describe as a rare tradition of consistency. Governor Seyi Makinde approved the early payment of the 13th-month salary for the seventh consecutive year, drawing commendation from labour unions.
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Kayode Martins, said the gesture reflected the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, especially after the payment of December salaries and wage awards.
Beyond the bonus, Oyo recently approved an ₦80,000 minimum wage, a ₦25,000 wage award for workers and ₦15,000 for pensioners, measures workers say have softened the impact of subsidy removal and inflation.
Akwa Ibom State also paid its 13th-month salary, locally known as Enomber, to civil servants and local government workers ahead of Christmas.
The Accountant-General of the state, Pastor Uwem Essien, said the payment fulfilled a pledge by Governor Umo Eno to ease economic pressure during the yuletide.
Similarly, Abia State workers confirmed the payment of the 13th-month salary for the second consecutive year, with labour leaders describing it as a significant departure from past practices where such bonuses were unheard of.
Silence in Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Plateau, Imo
However, workers in Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Plateau and Imo states told PLATFORM TIMES that their governments have yet to make any pronouncement on Christmas bonuses or 13th-month salaries.
In Ekiti, civil servants confirmed early payment of December salaries but said no special allowance had been announced.
“Early salary is good, but a bonus would have helped us prepare better for the festivities,” a worker, Oladele Ojo, said.
Plateau State workers are also in limbo, with no official approval for a 13th-month salary, despite assurances that a Christmas bonus is under consideration.
Labour leaders acknowledged the government’s efforts in paying the new minimum wage and clearing arrears but said workers were hopeful for more.
In Imo State, where the 13th-month salary had been paid in previous years, labour leaders said the government had yet to clarify its position for 2025.
“We are hopeful, but there is no confirmation yet,” NLC Chairman, Comrade Uche Nwigwe, said.
Workers in Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states expressed similar concerns, noting that despite the states’ strong revenue profiles, no official communication had been made regarding end-of-year bonuses.
In Delta State, the government confirmed it would not pay the 13th-month salary for 2025 and 2026, citing other welfare interventions such as clearing pension arrears and paying above the national minimum wage. Labour unions, however, urged the government to reconsider.
Enugu State also ruled out the bonus, with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) describing it as a non-statutory benefit. In Kogi, workers are still hopeful, though the government has made no announcement.
In Taraba, where some workers are owed up to four months’ salaries, labour leaders said discussions around bonuses were unrealistic under the current circumstances.
Growing Unease Among Workers
Labour unions warned that the widening gap between states paying end-of-year bonuses and those remaining silent could deepen discontent among workers, particularly as inflation continues to erode purchasing power.
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