The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has given the Federal Government until August 11, 2026, to address outstanding benefits owed to public servants, warning that continued delays could trigger nationwide labour unrest.
The council accused the government of failing to act on key welfare issues, including the payment of two months’ outstanding wage award arrears and the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal public servants.
In a letter dated July 31, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, the JNPSNC requested an urgent meeting to resolve the lingering issues, noting that previous correspondence to the minister’s office had gone unanswered.
Among its demands is the payment of wage award arrears for March and April 2026. The wage award was introduced by the Federal Government in 2023 as a temporary measure to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and the rising cost of living.
The council also called for the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, which it said was due to take effect from May 1, 2026, following a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Expressing dissatisfaction over what it described as the government’s slow response, the JNPSNC warned that continued inaction could escalate tensions within the public service.
It added that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had been notified of the situation.
While the council did not announce plans for an immediate strike, it warned that failure by the government to address its demands could lead to further action by workers.
The council clarified that the August 11 deadline is for the Finance Minister to meet with its representatives and resolve the outstanding issues, rather than the commencement of industrial action.
The development comes amid mounting concerns over the rising cost of living and growing pressure on public sector workers grappling with persistent economic challenges.
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