Date: April 4, 2026 l Reporter: Musa Amed
University lecturers and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across Nigeria have been hit by delays in the payment of their March 2026 salaries, raising concerns among affected workers as the Easter period approaches.
According to reports published on April 3, 2026, the delay has affected academic staff in federal universities as well as corps members serving under the NYSC scheme, leaving many without expected monthly stipends during a critical festive period.
Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the issue is linked to ongoing administrative and payment challenges within the federal government’s payroll system, which has in recent months recorded irregularities affecting different ministries, departments, and agencies.
Affected lecturers expressed frustration over the recurring delays, noting that timely salary payments are essential for meeting personal and family obligations, especially during major holidays such as Easter. Similarly, NYSC members, who rely heavily on their monthly allowances, have voiced concerns over the financial strain caused by the delay.
The development comes amid a broader pattern of salary-related challenges within the public sector. Previous reports have highlighted funding shortfalls and payroll discrepancies as contributing factors to delayed payments in some federal institutions.
While there has been no comprehensive official statement addressing the March delay at the time of reporting, affected workers are calling on the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently resolve the issue and ensure prompt disbursement of salaries.
Labour observers warn that continued delays could impact morale within the education sector and among young graduates serving the nation, particularly at a time when economic pressures remain high across the country.
As Easter celebrations draw near, many affected workers remain uncertain about when payments will be made, intensifying calls for immediate intervention to address the situation and restore confidence in the government’s payroll system.