Organised labour in the federal public service has given the Federal Government a deadline to release funds for the payment of 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 February 27, 2026 deadline would force the eight unions in the civil service to take decisive action.
According to the unions, funds meant for the payment of the wage awards have allegedly been withheld, despite claims that relevant agencies are ready to process the payments once the Federal Ministry of Finance releases the required funds.
The wage award dispute dates back over two years and followed the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 minimum wage after the removal of fuel subsidy. Labour leaders said that although partial payments were made after sustained pressure from workers, three months of the wage award have remained unpaid since July 2024.
The development has heightened tension within the federal workforce, with union leaders insisting that immediate action is necessary to avert industrial unrest.
