Tension is rising across the federal public service as organised labour has issued a firm deadline to the Federal Government.
The unions have given the government until Friday, February 27, 2026, to release funds for three months of unpaid wage awards. However, they warned that failure to meet the deadline could trigger decisive industrial action.
The development has come unexpectedly, especially as many civil servants believed the long-running issue was close to resolution.
At the centre of the dispute is the unpaid wage award linked to the N70,000 minimum wage approved after fuel subsidy removal. The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, accused the Ministry of Finance of holding back funds meant for workers.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the union expressed frustration over the prolonged delay.
“This wage award has dragged on for over two years now since the implementation of (N70,000) Minimum Wage Payment was approved,” the letter stated.
The unions explained that the wage award was introduced as a temporary relief measure. It was meant to cushion the effect of subsidy removal until the new minimum wage took effect in July 2024.
Moreover, labour leaders recalled that five months were initially left unpaid. Partial payments were later made after pressure mounted. However, three months have remained outstanding since July 2024.
“It is beyond the imagination and expectations of federal workers that federal government left five months unpaid abinitio, not until there was much pressure, there and then, federal government effected the staggered payment of two months, leaving the balance of three months since July, 2024 unpaid,” the unions said.
The JNPSNC further alleged that payment agencies are ready to act. Nevertheless, they are reportedly constrained by the non-release of funds.
“Available information revealed that all government agencies responsible for the payment of the wage award are ready to pay but this is subject to the release of funds by the minister of finance who is deliberately holding back the money,” the letter added.
Beyond the unpaid wage award, the unions listed other concerns. Promotion arrears remain unsettled for some workers. Salary arrears for employees recruited between 2015 and 2024 are also pending. In addition, they demanded correct payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance based on the new minimum wage.
Warning of possible industrial unrest, the unions declared: “If the money meant for the payment of the wage award is not released on or before Friday, February 27, 2026, the national leadership will take the bull by the horns and ensure appropriate actions are taken.”
