Organised labour in the federal public service has given the Federal Government a Friday deadline to release funds for the payment of three months’ outstanding wage awards and other allowances owed to workers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Grassroots Parrot reports that the ultimatum was issued by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) in a letter addressed to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, warning that failure to meet the February 27, 2026 deadline could trigger decisive action by the eight unions within the civil service.
The unions accused the government of withholding funds, alleging that relevant agencies were ready to process payments once the Ministry of Finance releases the required money.
The dispute, which has lasted for more than two years, stems from the wage award approved as a cushioning measure following fuel subsidy removal and linked to the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
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Labour leaders said only partial payments were made after sustained pressure, leaving three months unpaid since July 2024, thereby increasing tension among federal workers.
Beyond the wage arrears, the unions also demanded payment of promotion arrears, settlement of salary backlogs for workers recruited between 2015 and 2024, and proper implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance tied to the new minimum wage.
They warned that failure to release the funds before the deadline would compel the union leadership to take appropriate industrial action, stressing that workers’ entitlements must not be delayed or treated with levity.