A increasing population, according to the Federal Government, is posing significant challenges and a revenue shortfall.

The Federal Government is having trouble paying salaries because there isn’t enough money, bemoaned Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning.

Bagudu asked non-governmental groups to assist the government in filling in the gaps it was unable to on Thursday while speaking in Abuja.

He bemoaned the rapid growth of Nigeria’s population and added that the country’s high rate of inflation and rising unemployment are both troubling trends.

“Government faces huge hurdles, especially now,” the minister said. “The government is experiencing a revenue shortfall. The government is only able to pay salaries because there is no money in the country at all.

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Although the population is expanding quickly, the growth rate is quite modest. While inflation is at a high level, unemployment is rising.

The news of Tinubu’s approval of a wage award of N35,000 for all federal government officials is accompanied by claims that this will happen.

According to a message from the Presidency issued by Ekpo U. O. Nta, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the new pay would take effect on September 1, 2023.

The circular was sent to the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ministers and Ministers of State, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of the Federal Civil Service, Chairmen of Federal Commissions, Federal Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the National Assembly, Secretary to the National Judicial Council, Secretary to the Federal Judicial Service Commission, Directors-General and Chief Executives of Parastatals, and Agencies.