Economy

Unions Threaten Action over Unpaid Wages

By Web News 365

Organised labour in the federal public service has given the Federal Government until Friday 27th February to release funds for three months of unpaid wage awards and other outstanding allowances across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The Trade Union Side of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) issued the ultimatum in a letter to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

It warned that the eight civil service unions would take decisive action if the February 27, 2026 deadline is missed.

The unions accused the government of withholding funds, alleging that payment agencies are ready to act once the Federal Ministry of Finance releases the money.

The wage award followed approval of the 70,000 naira minimum wage after fuel subsidy removal and was designed as a temporary relief pending full implementation in July 2024.

Labour leaders said five months were initially unpaid; two were later settled after pressure, leaving three months outstanding since July 2024.

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 tied to the new minimum wage.

They warned of possible industrial action if funds are not released by the deadline and copied the letter to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, among others.

Punch/Maxwell Oyekunle/Adetutu Adetule

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Economy

Minister Urges Consistent Focus on Workers’ Welfare, Economic Growth

By Web News 137

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Employers, stakeholders, and the government should create a conducive work environment that promotes economic growth, social justice, human rights, and prioritises workers’ welfare.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Muhammadu Dingyadi stated this at this year’s Workers day celebration, with the theme, “Reclaiming the Civil Space in the midst of economic hardship” held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Mr Dingyadi, who was represented by the Ogun State Controller of Labour, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Andy Egboh, encouraged workers to continue to organise, mobilise and advocate for their rights and policies that would be of benefit to the entire workforce, the state, and the nation in general.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, urged the state’s workforce to remain patient, committed, steadfast and continue to be reliable partners despite the country’s economic challenges.

Governor Abiodun assured the gathering that his administration would consider the demands presented by the unions, while reaffirming commitment to improving the lives of the workers.

Earlier, the Ogun State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr Hameed Benco-Ademola had called for regular review of the minimum wage to alleviate the impact of economic hardship on workers, and also demanded the suspension of the Contributory Pension Scheme to safeguard retirees’ interests.

Also, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Ogun State, Mr. Akeem Lasisi, applauded the state government for timely payment of wages and allowances, conduct of promotions exercises as and when due, urged the government to extend the new 77,000 naira minimum wage to all state government workers, across all grade levels.

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