Labour gives FG Friday ultimatum over unpaid wage awards

• Feb 25, 2026

The Federal Government has been given a deadline by organised labour in the federal public service on Friday to release cash immediately in order to pay three months' worth of unpaid salary awards and other unpaid benefits to employees in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

The warning was issued on behalf of the eight public service unions by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, which represents the trade union side.

The unions threatened to take drastic measures if they didn't fulfil the deadline of Friday, February 27, 2026. Although appropriate agencies are apparently prepared to handle payments once the funds are released, they accused the Federal Government of purposefully delaying monies intended for workers.

After the fuel subsidy was eliminated, the Federal Government approved a minimum salary of N70,000, which sparked the wage award controversy that has persisted for more than two years.

Tension among federal employees has increased, according to labour leaders, who pointed out that although some payments were issued following persistent pressure, three months had gone unpaid since July 2024.

"This wage award has dragged on for over two years now since the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage payment was approved," the union wrote in a letter to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Following the loss of fuel subsidies, the unions noted that "the wage award was approved as a cushioning measure and was to run until the commencement of the new minimum wage implementation in July 2024."

"It is beyond the imagination and expectations of federal workers that the federal government left five months unpaid ab initio; the federal government did not effect the staggered payment of two months until there was significant pressure there, leaving the balance of three months since July 2024 unpaid," they continued.

"All relevant government agencies responsible for effecting payment are prepared to do so but are constrained by the non-release of funds by the Ministry of Finance," the JNPSNC further claimed. According to the information that is currently available, all government entities who are in charge of paying the wage award are prepared to do so; however, this is contingent upon the Honourable Minister of Finance releasing funds, which he is purposefully withholding.

The unions emphasised additional financial commitments that needed immediate consideration in addition to the pay award.

These include the correct payment of a 40% unique allowance based on the N70,000 minimum wage, salary arrears for employees hired between 2015 and 2024, and promotion arrears for those promoted more than three years ago. "If the money meant for the payment of the wage award is not released on or before Friday, 27th February, 2026, the national leadership will take the bull by the horn and ensure appropriate actions are taken," the unions said, warning of possible industrial unrest.

They maintained that workers' rights should not be taken for granted and that they shouldn't have to endure excessive hardship as a result of late payments.

For immediate consideration and appropriate action, copies of the letter were sent to the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of the Federation's Civil Service, security agencies, and affiliate unions.