Salary Deductions Stir Controversy in Anambra Over Monday Sit-at-Home

PUBLIC servants in Anambra State have raised concerns over what they describe as irregular and excessive deductions from their February salaries following the state government’s enforcement of a pro-rata payment policy targeting absenteeism on Mondays.

The deductions are part of the government’s strategy to discourage compliance with the Monday sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The state had earlier warned that from February 2026, workers who failed to report for duty on Mondays would face salary adjustments proportionate to the days missed.

Complaints of Disproportionate Deductions

While many affected workers say they do not object to deductions for days not worked, they allege inconsistencies in the computation. Reports from various ministries, departments and agencies indicate that some employees lost between one and 70 per cent of their monthly pay despite missing only one or two Mondays.

At the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat in Awka, several workers gathered to lodge formal complaints after receiving what they described as alarming salary alerts. Some reportedly received as little as ₦10,000 for the month, while others claimed deductions exceeding ₦80,000.

Two secondary school teachers in Awka South Local Government Area confirmed deductions of ₦8,000 and ₦18,000 respectively for missing two Mondays. Another civil servant, who requested anonymity, said more than ₦80,000 was deducted from their salary, leaving a balance of ₦3,500.

“I am not against being deducted for days I didn’t work,” the worker said, “but the calculation does not reflect only two days’ absence. It appears excessive.”

Other employees echoed similar concerns, attributing the discrepancies to possible payroll errors or flaws in the clock-in verification system introduced by the government.

NAWOJ Backs Policy, Seeks Fairness

Reacting to the development, the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, expressed support for the government’s directive aimed at restoring economic activity and public service delivery on Mondays.

However, the association called for fairness and transparency in the implementation of salary deductions. In a statement, NAWOJ urged the government to review the reported discrepancies and ensure that penalties are commensurate with actual absences.

The group also called on authorities to strengthen security across the state to guarantee the safety of workers, business owners and students resuming activities on Mondays. It further advocated improved welfare packages, including rehabilitation of the Civil Servants Transportation Scheme and enhanced salary benefits to boost morale.

In addition, NAWOJ criticized the outcome of the recent All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) local government primaries, noting the limited representation of women among candidates.

Government Defends Action

The State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, confirmed that pro-rata deductions had been implemented as earlier announced. He stated that attendance verification requires workers to clock in and out on Mondays.

“If you came to work but did not clock in or out, there is no evidence of attendance,” Mefor said, emphasizing that the deductions serve as a deterrent against absenteeism.

As tensions persist, workers are calling for an audit of the payroll system to address alleged anomalies, while the government maintains that enforcing workplace attendance remains central to ending the Monday sit-at-home culture.