In a significant development for public sector workers, the Nasarawa State Government has announced it will commence payment of a 50% salary end-of-year bonus to civil servants beginning December 27, 2025. This announcement, confirmed by the State Accountant-General, Dr. Musa Mohammed, marks a notable policy shift with both immediate financial impact and broader implications for public administration in the state.
The directive for this unprecedented payment originated from Governor Abdullahi Sule, who made the commitment during the recent 2025 Civil Service Week celebration. According to the official statement released in Lafia, this bonus constitutes the first payment of its kind in the history of Nasarawa State, breaking from traditional compensation structures. Dr. Mohammed emphasized that the gesture is not merely transactional but is intended to “underscore the administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers in the state and citizens in general.”
To provide essential context, a 50% salary bonus represents a substantial financial injection for workers and the local economy. For a civil servant earning a monthly salary of ₦100,000, this translates to an additional ₦50,000 before the New Year. The decision to process this bonus separately from December salaries is a critical administrative detail. As explained by the Accountant-General, this separation adheres to “proper accounting procedures and convenience,” ensuring clear financial auditing and likely allowing for smoother payroll processing without overburdening the standard monthly salary run.
The timing and nature of this payment carry multiple layers of significance. First, it serves as a direct end-of-year economic stimulus for thousands of households, potentially boosting consumer spending during the holiday season. Second, it functions as a strategic human resources tool. Dr. Mohammed explicitly linked the bonus to the governor’s “appreciation for workers’ dedication, resilience, and service,” and expressed optimism that it would be reciprocated through “renewed dedication to their assigned responsibilities.” This creates a clear performance-welfare feedback loop intended to motivate the state’s workforce.
For observers of state governance and public finance, this move raises important considerations. It demonstrates a deliberate prioritization of civil servant welfare within the state’s fiscal policy, which could influence labor relations and retention rates. However, it also prompts questions about the long-term sustainability of such bonuses and whether they might set a precedent for future years. The success of this initiative will likely be measured not only by its immediate reception but also by its impact on public service efficiency and morale in the first quarter of 2026.
As the payment date of December 27 approaches, civil servants in Nasarawa State can anticipate a historic addition to their year-end finances, while analysts will watch to see how this novel welfare policy influences the broader landscape of state-level employee compensation in Nigeria.
Source: NAN News
