- Organised labour under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) has issued a Friday deadline demanding payment of three months’ wage awards and allowances
- The unions warned of decisive action if the Federal Government fails to release funds by February 27, 2026
- They alleged that payment agencies are ready but are constrained by the Ministry of Finance’s refusal to release funds
Organised labour in the federal public service has issued a Friday deadline to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate release of funds to settle three months’ outstanding wage awards and other pending allowances owed to workers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) conveyed the ultimatum in a letter addressed to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, warning that failure to meet the Friday, February 27, 2026 deadline would compel the eight unions in the civil service to take decisive action.
The unions alleged that government agencies were ready to process payments but were being held back by the non-release of funds from the Ministry of Finance.
The wage award dispute, which has lingered for over two years, began after the Federal Government approved a N70,000 minimum wage following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Labour leaders said partial payments were made under pressure, but three months remain unpaid since July 2024, increasing tension within the workforce.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the union stated: “This wage award has dragged on for over two years now since the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage payment was approved.”
The unions added: “The wage award was approved as a cushioning measure following fuel subsidy removal and was to run until the commencement of the new minimum wage implementation in July 2024.”
“It is beyond the imagination and expectations of federal workers that the Federal Government left five months unpaid ab initio; not until there was much pressure did the Federal Government effect the staggered payment of two months, leaving the balance of three months since July 2024 unpaid.”
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) further alleged that payment agencies were ready but were constrained by the absence of funds from the finance ministry.
“Available information revealed that all government agencies responsible for the payment of the wage award are ready to pay, but this is subject to the release of funds by the Honourable Minister of Finance, who is deliberately holding back the money,” the letter stated.
Beyond wage arrears, the unions demanded settlement of promotion arrears for workers elevated more than 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 declared: “If the money meant for the payment of the wage award is not released on or before Friday, 27th February, 2026, the national leadership will take the bull by the horn and ensure appropriate actions are taken.”
They insisted that workers’ entitlements must not be neglected and urged the government to prioritise the welfare of civil servants.
Copies of the letter were also forwarded to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, security agencies and affiliate unions for urgent attention.