By Sandra Ugwu 

December 2025 | Abuja

Despite increased inflows from the Federation Account and improved internally generated revenue, many state governments across Nigeria have yet to announce end-of-year bonuses or 13th-month salaries for workers, leaving thousands of civil servants uncertain as the festive season peaks.

Findings by AnchorNews across the states reveal a mixed outcome. While a few governments have sustained the payment of Christmas bonuses to boost workers’ morale and ease economic pressure, several others have remained silent or openly ruled out such gestures, citing fiscal priorities and ongoing reforms.

In Oyo State, civil servants have expressed appreciation for the consistent and early payment of the 13th-month salary by Governor Seyi Makinde. Workers described the gesture as a significant welfare boost at a time of rising living costs, noting that it would enhance festive celebrations. Labour leaders confirmed that the payment, now in its seventh consecutive year, underscores the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, alongside the approval of an ₦80,000 minimum wage, a ₦25,000 wage award for workers and ₦15,000 support for pensioners.

Akwa Ibom State has also paid its 13th-month salary, locally known as Enomber, to state and local government workers ahead of Christmas, in fulfilment of Governor Umo Eno’s promise. Payment alerts began dropping days before Christmas, a development that was widely welcomed by workers and labour unions, who described it as timely relief amid prevailing socio-economic challenges.

In Abia State, workers confirmed the payment of the 13th-month salary, noting that the practice, which began last year, has now become a recurring feature. Labour leaders in the state described the development as unprecedented, saying such payments were previously considered unattainable for civil servants.

In contrast, workers in Enugu State will not receive a 13th-month salary this year. The Trade Union Congress described the bonus as discretionary rather than a statutory entitlement, ruling out strike action, although some workers appealed to labour leaders to formally engage the state government on the issue. Imo State is yet to make any official pronouncement on the 2025 bonus, but labour leaders said they remain hopeful that the government may still respond positively.

The Delta State Government has confirmed that it will not pay a 13th-month salary for 2025 or 2026, citing the clearance of pension arrears and the payment of wages above the national minimum wage as alternative welfare measures. Labour unions, however, urged the government to extend its welfare agenda to include a Christmas bonus, arguing that it would further motivate workers and strengthen labour relations.

In Kogi State, no announcement has been made regarding a Christmas bonus or 13th-month salary, though some workers expressed optimism that the government may yet introduce one. Ebonyi State workers are more hopeful, following the governor’s consistent payment of Christmas bonuses in recent years, with calls for an increase due to worsening economic conditions.

Kebbi and Borno states do not operate a 13th-month salary system, although Kebbi occasionally provides seasonal gifts to workers. In Taraba State, delayed salary payments remain a major challenge, with labour leaders saying discussions about end-of-year bonuses are unrealistic while workers are still owed several months’ salaries.

Cross River, Ekiti and Plateau states have also not announced any statutory 13th-month salary. While some of the states paid December salaries early or hinted at possible Christmas incentives under consideration, no formal decision has been communicated to workers.

Overall, AnchorNews findings indicate that although a handful of states have taken steps to cushion workers during the festive season, many others remain non-committal, leaving civil servants across the country uncertain about receiving any form of end-of-year financial relief.