Tension is rising across Nigeria’s public service as workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have issued a March 31, 2026 deadline to the Federal Government of Nigeria over the delayed payment of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance linked to the N70,000 minimum wage.

The workers warned that failure to meet the deadline could trigger a nationwide strike, raising concerns about potential disruption across government institutions.

In a letter addressed to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), the union’s National Chairman, Benjamin Uyantomni, and National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, decried the delay in issuing the necessary circular and salary templates to implement the allowance.

They noted that the allowance is tied to the N70,000 national minimum wage, which took effect in July 2024, and argued that its implementation had already been approved during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The council expressed frustration that despite multiple correspondences and presentations to facilitate implementation, no concrete action has been taken, leaving thousands of civil servants without their entitlements.

According to the union, the delay threatens industrial harmony within the public service.

It also referenced previous approvals granted at key meetings, including the National Council on Establishment, noting that the required implementation circular is yet to be issued.

The JNPSNC warned that unless the NSIWC responds positively by the March 31 deadline, it would have no option but to embark on industrial action.