Organised labour in Nigeria's federal public service has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate release of funds to clear three months of outstanding wage awards and other unpaid allowances owed to workers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) Trade Union Side warned that failure to meet the February 27, 2026 deadline would compel the eight civil service unions to embark on decisive industrial action.
The unions accused the government of deliberately withholding funds despite repeated assurances that relevant agencies are ready to process payments once the money is released. The dispute centres on the ₦70,000 wage award introduced as a cushioning measure following the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023. Although the award was meant to run until the full implementation of the new minimum wage in July 2024, labour leaders claim five months were initially left unpaid, with only two months eventually disbursed after intense pressure—leaving a balance of three months outstanding since July 2024.
The letter stated: “This wage award has dragged on for over two years now since the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage payment was approved. It is beyond the imagination and expectations of federal workers that the federal government left five months unpaid ab initio; not until there was much pressure there and then did the federal government effect the staggered payment of two months, leaving the balance of three months since July 2024 unpaid.”
The JNPSNC further alleged that 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. “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 Honourable Minister of Finance, who is deliberately holding back the money,” the letter read.
Beyond the wage award, the unions highlighted a litany of other longstanding unpaid entitlements requiring urgent resolution, including:
Promotion arrears for workers elevated more than three years ago.
Salary arrears for employees recruited between 2015 and 2024.
Proper payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance based on the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
The letter warned: “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 stressed that workers' entitlements should not be treated lightly and that employees must not be subjected to unnecessary hardship due to avoidable delays in payments. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), security agencies, and all affiliate unions for urgent attention and necessary action.
The ultimatum comes amid growing frustration among federal workers over economic hardship, inflation, and perceived insensitivity in the handling of their welfare. The ₦70,000 minimum wage, approved in July 2024 following prolonged negotiations and nationwide strikes, was intended to provide relief after the fuel subsidy removal drove up living costs dramatically. However, implementation has been plagued by delays, partial payments, and disputes over consequential adjustments for higher cadres.
Neither the Ministry of Finance nor the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had issued an official response to the ultimatum as of Wednesday afternoon, February 25, 2026. Previous similar threats by organised labour have occasionally led to partial concessions or staggered payments, but the current tone suggests a higher risk of industrial action if the deadline passes without action.
Federal workers in MDAs across the country have expressed growing anger over the situation, with some unions already mobilising members and preparing contingency plans. The outcome of the February 27 deadline could significantly impact public service delivery, economic stability, and labour-government relations in the coming weeks.
As the ultimatum clock ticks, attention now turns to whether the Federal Government will release the funds before Friday or risk a nationwide shutdown of federal offices and services.
