Despite improved earnings from the Federation Account and increased internally generated revenue, many state governments have not announced any end-of-year bonus or 13th-month salary for workers this festive season, findings from correspondents across the states have shown.
While a few states have moved to boost workers’ morale with Christmas bonuses, several others have either ruled out the gesture or remain undecided, dampening expectations among civil servants.
Oyo, Akwa Ibom Pay 13th-Month Salary
In Oyo State, workers have welcomed the early and consistent payment of the 13th-month salary by Governor Seyi Makinde, describing it as a morale booster amid economic hardship. Labour leaders praised the move, noting that it followed earlier payments of December salaries, wage awards and the approval of an N80,000 minimum wage.
Similarly, Akwa Ibom State paid its 13th-month salary, locally known as Enomber, to both state and local government workers ahead of Christmas. The state government said the payment fulfilled Governor Umo Eno’s pledge to ease the burden of rising living costs, a gesture applauded by labour unions and civil servants.
Abia Makes Bonus a Tradition
In Abia State, workers confirmed that payment of the 13th-month salary has become an annual practice under the current administration. Labour leaders described the development as a significant departure from the past, when such payments were unheard of in the state.
Mixed Fortunes in Other States
In Enugu State, workers will not receive a 13th-month salary this year. The chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state said the bonus is not a statutory entitlement and therefore not grounds for industrial action, although some workers urged labour leaders to formally request it from the governor.
Imo State has yet to make any announcement on the 2025 Christmas bonus. Labour leaders said they remain hopeful that Governor Hope Uzodimma would approve the payment, given past precedents.
The Delta State Government has confirmed it will not pay a 13th-month salary for 2025 or 2026, citing other welfare interventions such as pension arrears clearance and payment of wages above the national minimum wage. Labour unions, however, appealed for reconsideration.
In Kogi State, no official statement has been made on a Christmas bonus, though some workers expressed optimism that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo might still approve one.
Christmas Bonuses Expected or Given Elsewhere
In Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru has maintained a tradition of Christmas bonuses for workers over the past three years, with payments rising from ₦100,000 in 2023 to ₦150,000 in 2024 and 2025. Workers expressed hope for a further increase due to worsening economic conditions.
Kebbi State does not operate a 13th-month salary system, though labour leaders noted that workers sometimes receive Christmas gifts, particularly Christian staff during the festive season.
No Bonuses in Some States
In Borno State, civil servants have never received a 13th-month salary since the return of democracy. In Taraba State, workers are struggling with unpaid salaries ranging from two to four months, making any discussion of a Christmas bonus unrealistic.
Cross River State workers also expressed low expectations, with no announcement from the government regarding an end-of-year allowance. Labour leaders recalled that a modest bonus was paid last year but said nothing had been communicated for 2025.
In Ekiti State, workers received December salaries early, but no 13th-month salary or special allowance has been announced. Plateau State has similarly not approved a Christmas bonus, although labour sources said discussions were ongoing.
Overall, while a handful of states have taken steps to ease workers’ financial burden during the festive season, the majority remain silent or have ruled out end-of-year bonuses, leaving many civil servants to rely solely on their regular salaries amid rising living costs.
