PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has directed all federal government ministries and parastatals to make moves to clear all workers' salary arrears within the next seven days as part of a programme to restore sanity to the public sector. 

At least half of Nigeria's states owe their workers salary arrears, with some of them owing up to a year's salary and although the federal government is not so heavily indebted, it also has some arrears. Since assuming office, President Buhari has been trying to clear the arrears and get federal government finances back into a healthy shape.

 Yesterday, the president directed all federal ministries, departments and agencies to compile the names of all public service employees who are being owed arrears of salaries and allowances within seven days so that they can be paid without further delay. A September 14 circular came from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to that effect immediately sent members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) jumping for joy. 

ASCSN general secretary Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, praised President Buhari for bringing hope to thousands of public service employees who are being owed arrears of salaries and allowances for years. He added that the presidency identified the outstanding payments as salary arrears, promotion arrears, first 28 days allowance on transfer from post, repatriation allowance, burial expenses, death benefits and mandatory training arrears. 

Comrade Lawal recalled that in letters written to the president since his election and assumption of office, the union reminded him of the outstanding salaries and allowances and stressed the need for the government to pay up to boost the morale not only of the affected officers but also that of other teeming public service employees. He expressed confidence that as soon as the lists are submitted to the presidency, the lingering arrears of salaries and allowances would be paid.