Organised labour in the federal public service has given the Federal Government a deadline of February 27, 2026, to release funds for the payment of three months’ outstanding wage awards and other pending allowances.
The ultimatum was issued by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) in a letter addressed to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The unions warned that failure to meet the deadline would compel the eight unions in the civil service to take decisive action. They alleged that while relevant agencies are ready to process payments, the Ministry of Finance has not released the required funds.
The dispute dates back over two years to the Federal Government’s approval of a N70,000 minimum wage following the removal of fuel subsidy. Labour leaders said the wage award was introduced as a cushioning measure pending full implementation of the new minimum wage in July 2024.
Although partial payments were made after sustained pressure, three months remain unpaid since July 2024.
Beyond the wage arrears, the unions also demanded payment of promotion arrears for workers elevated over three years ago, salary arrears for employees recruited between 2015 and 2024, and proper implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance based on the N70,000 minimum wage.
Warning of possible industrial action, the unions stated that if funds are not released by the deadline, the national leadership would take appropriate action, insisting that workers’ entitlements must not be treated with levity.
