Keywords
Wages Differentials
Abstract
This study was an examination on the relationship between the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and wage differentials in the federal civil service in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The research was driven by ongoing concerns regarding disparities in public-sector pay, inconsistencies in the administration of allowances, and the erosion of real wages due to inflation. The study was anchored on the structural-functionalism theory and aimed to determine whether the organized salary framework significantly affects wage variations among civil servants.
A survey research design was employed, involving a population of 110 federal civil servants, from which 85 valid responses were obtained using a simple random sampling technique. Data were sourced from both primary and secondary materials and analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) and regression analysis. The results indicated a positive and statistically significant relationship between CONPSS and wage differentials. The correlation coefficients were significant at the 5% level, while regression findings showed that improvements in the salary structure lead to corresponding increases in wage differences. The coefficient of determination revealed that a large proportion of wage variation is explained by CONPSS, and the F-statistic confirmed the adequacy of the model. As a result, the null hypothesis was rejected.
The study concluded that although CONPSS establishes a structured and standardized system for wage administration, it also contributes to noticeable disparities in earnings among different categories of workers. These variations are influenced by factors such as grade level, step progression, job responsibilities, and qualifications, as well as implementation gaps and economic challenges. The study therefore recommends the adoption of regular and evidence-based wage reviews, greater transparency in allowance administration, consistent enforcement of salary policies, reduced dependence on allowances, and improved capacity of wage management institutions to promote fairness, motivation, and efficiency in the Nigerian public service.
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