In spite of increasing income from the Federation Account and internally generated revenue, most state governments appear unwilling to bolster workers’ income this festive season with a Christmas bonus, otherwise called the 13th-month salary, our correspondents report from across the states.
Oyo Boosts Workers’ Morale with 13th-Month Salary
In Oyo State, workers have expressed immense gratitude and joy at the consistent, early payment of the 13th-month salary by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Some workers who spoke with our correspondent view it as a major boost to their welfare amidst national economic challenges. According to them, the gesture is a promise kept, which will enhance festive celebrations and reinforce support for the administration.
Their elation was amplified by other benefits, including the approval of an N80,000 minimum wage, a N25,000 wage award for workers, and N15,000 for pensioners to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Kayode Martins, said: “Payment of the 13th-month salary, after both December salary and wage award had been paid earlier, is very commendable and shows the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare.”
Noting that this would be the seventh consecutive time of this gesture by the Makinde administration, he expressed the workers’ gratitude to the governor.
Akwa Ibom Workers Get 13th-Month Salary
The entire civil service workforce, including local government employees, has received their 13th-month salary, locally called Enomber, barely referred to as “ just before Christmas, as promised by Governor Pastor Umo Eno.
It was gathered that the visibly elated workers began receiving payment notifications on Tuesday, about nine days before Christmas Day.
The accountant-general of the state, Pastor Uwem Essien, explained that the special facility, as pledged by the governor, was intended to enable civil servants to enjoy the yuletide season with ease, given the prevailing socio-economic challenges. “This is in fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Umo Eno on Sunday, 30 November 2025, that workers would receive their 13th-month salary before 20 December,” he recalled.
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Chairman Comrade Sunny James, and some elated workers applauded the governor’s magnanimity, saying it would go a long way to cushion the effects of socio-economic hardship imposed on workers by ongoing systemic reforms by the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government.
Mrs Imediuwem Okon Thompson, a local government worker in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, said: “The governor has turned our previously bleak Christmas and New Year festivities into joyous occasions for our families, friends, and other well-wishers.”
Abia Makes 13th-Month Salary an Annual Habit
A primary school teacher and a staff member of the Abia State Ministry of Environment confirmed that the government pays the 13th-month salary. Sources, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the practice began last year and that they had received this year’s payment.
One of the leaders of the state branch of the NLC, Sam Okpara, described it as a new development in the state.
“Such payment used to sound like a fairy tale to civil servants in the state until the inception of the present administration,” he said.
Enugu Not Paying 13th-Month Salary — TUC Chairman
Meanwhile, the joy expressed by workers in Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Abia, and other states will not be the same for their Enugu counterparts.
The chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Enugu State, Comrade Ben Asogwa, stated that although workers are not receiving a 13th-month salary, they will not embark on strike.
He described the 13th-month salary as more of a largesse, rather than a labour entitlement. “It is not something that demands labour agitation,” he said, noting that the governor currently shows no indication of paying it.
Some workers who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity urged labour leaders to formally demand it from the governor. The 13th-month salary is not statutory, they believed Governor Peter Mbah would heed the request if he was approached.
No Pronouncement on 13th-Month Salary in Imo
The Imo State Government, which had previously paid the 13th-month salary, has yet to make any pronouncement regarding 2025.
Labour Congress Chairman Comrade Uche Nwigwe expressed optimism that Governor Hope Uzodimma would respond positively. Another labour leader, Comrade Ndubisi Okafor, added: “We are hopeful that the governor will act positively, as President Bola Tinubu has assured workers of total care and welfare under the Renewed Hope Initiative.”
Delta Not Paying 13th-Month Salary
The Delta State Government. Ent has confirmed that it will not pay the 13th-month salary bonus for either 2025 or 2026.
The Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Mininim Oseji, thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving N10 billion to clear pension arrears. “Our Santa Claus came early, and it means more prosperity for civil servants in the state. What more can we ask for?”
The secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Eze Emu, stated that Governor Oborevwori had been paying above the National Minimum Wage of N70,000, citing the current payment of N77,000.
The NLC urged the state government to extend the MORE Agenda to include the 13th-month salary to reward service delivery and improve human capital infrastructure.
Civil servants recalled that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan had promised a 13th-month salary as a bonus in his 2014 May Day speech. They called on Governor Oborevwori to extend such kindness to civil servants in the state, to foster a cordial relationship between the governor and the civil service.
Kogi Yet to Act on Christmas Bonus
The Kogi State Government has yet to announce the 13th-month salary or any end-of-year allowance. Some workers expressed optimism that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo may surprise them.
A staff member of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said: “I would not be surprised if the governor joined other states in paying the 13th-month salary. He is compassionate and magnanimous. He has consistently paid salaries and allowances above the federal minimum wage.”
Attempts to reach NLC Chairman Gabriel Amari were unsuccessful. Also, the Commissioner of Information, Hon Kingsley Femi Fanwo, had yet to respond to an enquiry on the subject at the time of filing this report.
Christmas Bonus Expected in Ebonyi
In Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru has consistently paid workers a “Christmas Bonus” over the past three years: ₦100,000 in 2023, ₦150,000 in 2024, and ₦150,000 again during the State Government’s Thanksgiving Service last week.
Some workers expressed hope that the governor would increase the bonus to ₦200,000, citing worsening economic conditions.
Miss Ebere Okoh, a civil servant in the Ministry of Information and State Orientation, said: “The bonus will make the celebration memorable and help workers tackle January expenses.”
Mr Christopher Agwu, a civil servant in Onicha Local Government, urged the governor to ensure council chairmen fully implement the bonus: “What is good for state workers should also apply to local government workers,” he said.
The labour unions in the state appealed for direct payment from the joint account, noting that local government workers often receive less than state employees.
Occasional Christmas Gifts in Kebbi
Kebbi State does not provide a 13th-month salary or end-of-year allowances. Nigerian Labour Congress Chairman Comrade Murtala Usman said past and present governments had never implemented this system.
“The government ensures timely salary payment in December and occasionally gives additional gifts to Christian workers for Christmas,” he said.
Civil servant Sabatu Andrew added that she had previously received such gifts and urged the government to continue the practice.
No 13th-Month Salary in Borno
Since the return of democracy, the Borno State Government has never paid a 13th-month salary to civil servants.
No Hope in Taraba as Government Owes Salaries
Despite implementing the new national minimum wage, Taraba State workers continue to face delayed salaries. Some are owed between two and four months.
NLC Chairman Comrade Peter Jediel said: “I cannot comment on the 13th-month salary. Even paying regular salaries is difficult. Some workers will be paid, others will not. Currently, the government owes some civil servants four months, others three, and some two months.”
He attributed delays to the screening exercise to eliminate ghost workers from the payroll.
Cross River Workers Not Very Hopeful
Cross River State has not announced a statutory 13th-month salary. The Ministry of Finance has yet to communicate any “end-of-year allowance”.
Senior clerk Mr Ofem Eteng said: “Getting that extra month means I can finally fix the roof and buy my children’s school supplies without worry.”
Junior accountant Mrs Stella Edem confirmed no plans had been communicated regarding bonuses.
NLC Chairman Comrade Greg Olayi added: “Last year, some people received ₦5,000 as a Christmas bonus. This year, we have heard nothing. Even I, as chairman, did not get it. My message to workers is to keep praying; maybe God will remember us one day.”
Early December Salary But No Christmas Stipend in Ekiti
In Ekiti State, workers received their December salaries early, but no 13th-month salary or special allowance has been announced.
Civil servant Mr Oladele Ojo said: “It is good that the state paid our salary early, but we would be happier if a 13th-month salary or allowance were added.”
Mrs Ola Adeoye confirmed that all workers had received December salaries, with speculation of a one-month leave bonus before year-end.
Plateau Has Not Approved 13th-Month Salary
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has not officially approved a 13th-month salary, though his administration has shown commitment to workers by paying the N70,000 minimum wage, paying wage awards, clearing arrears, and approving allowances. Reports suggest a Christmas bonus promise is under consideration.
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