Civil servants across Niger State have expressed frustration and concern over unexpected deductions from their May 2025 salaries, amounting to as much as 10% of their total pay. The deductions, which many workers claim were neither communicated nor consented to in advance, appear to be linked to third-party charges that have not been clearly explained by state authorities.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Niger State Chapter has already begun receiving formal complaints from affected workers across various ministries and parastatals. According to reports, the deductions have had a significant impact on workers’ take-home pay, compounding the financial pressures already faced due to inflation and the rising cost of living.
"We were shocked to see these unexplained deductions. There was no prior notice, no circular, no breakdown—nothing. This is not just a payroll issue, it’s a breach of trust," said Ibrahim Aliyu, a civil servant with over 15 years in the state's Ministry of Health.
A preliminary review by the NLC suggests that the deductions may be tied to loan servicing arrangements or third-party consultancy agreements, but many affected workers deny having any such financial commitments.
In response to the uproar, the Niger State Government issued a brief statement promising to investigate the matter and address the concerns of the workforce. “We are aware of the concerns raised by workers regarding May salary deductions. The matter is under review, and appropriate steps will be taken to resolve any discrepancies,” the statement read.
However, labour unions are demanding greater transparency. Comrade Maryam Abdullahi, Chairperson of the NLC in Niger State, has called for an immediate suspension of all third-party deductions until a full audit is conducted. “The government must engage directly with the unions to provide clarity. We will not allow workers to be shortchanged without accountability.”