Organised labour in the federal public service has issued a fresh ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate payment of three months’ outstanding wage award and other pending allowances owed workers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Trade Union Side, gave the warning on Wednesday, stating that failure to meet its deadline of Friday, February 27, 2026, would leave the eight unions in the civil service with no option but to embark on decisive action.
The unions accused the Federal Government of deliberately withholding funds meant for workers, alleging that several MDAs were ready to process the payments once the funds are released.
According to the council, the lingering dispute over the wage award dates back over two years, following the Federal Government’s approval of a N70,000 minimum wage in the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal.
Labour leaders explained that although the wage award was introduced as a temporary cushioning measure pending the full implementation of the new minimum wage in July 2024, the payment process has been fraught with delays.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the unions lamented that five months of the wage award were initially left unpaid until sustained pressure compelled the government to effect a staggered payment of two months.
They noted that three months of the wage award have remained outstanding since July 2024, a development they said has heightened frustration and tension among federal workers.
“This wage award has dragged on for over two years now since the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage payment was approved,” the letter stated.
Labour maintained that the prolonged delay contradicts the purpose for which the wage award was approved, warning that workers’ patience is fast wearing thin.
As of press time, there was no official response from the Federal Government regarding the ultimatum.
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