Organised labour in the federal public service has issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the release of funds to settle three months’ unpaid wage awards and other allowances owed to workers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side), in a letter to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, warned that failure to meet the February 27, 2026 deadline would force eight civil service unions to take “decisive action.”
The unions accused the government of deliberately withholding funds, noting that agencies were ready to process payments once the Ministry of Finance released the money.
“This wage award has dragged on for over two years now since the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage was approved,” the letter stated.
Labour leaders recalled that the wage award was introduced as a temporary cushion after fuel subsidy removal, but arrears remain unpaid since July 2024. They alleged that while partial payments were made under pressure, three months are still outstanding.
“Available information revealed that all government agencies responsible for the payment 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 unions claimed.
Beyond wage arrears, the unions listed other unresolved issues, including promotion arrears for workers elevated over three years ago, salary arrears for staff recruited between 2015 and 2024, and proper implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance tied to the new 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.”
Copies of the ultimatum were also sent to the Ministry of Labour, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, the NLC, TUC, security agencies, and affiliate unions.
