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
Follow us on Telegram and YouTube, and join our WhatsApp Update Group for more updates.
