Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Organised labour in Nigeria’s federal public service issues a Friday ultimatum to government, demanding immediate payment of three months’ outstanding wage awards and allowances.
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council warns that failure to release funds by February 27 triggers decisive industrial action across ministries and agencies.
In a formal letter, union leaders accuse authorities of withholding money despite payment-ready agencies. The wage award, approved after fuel subsidy removal and linked to a ₦70,000 minimum wage, remains partly unpaid since July 2024.
“It is beyond imagination that workers still endure unpaid arrears after two years,” the council writes.
Beyond wage awards, unions list promotion arrears, unpaid salaries for recruits between 2015 and 2024, and delayed implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance.
“If the money is not released by Friday, we will take the bull by the horn,” labour leaders warn.
Copies of the ultimatum reach labour authorities, union federations and security agencies as tensions rise within the federal workforce.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Chukwu Obinna 
