Nigerian workers have given the Federal Government until August 11, 2026, to address unpaid benefits, warning that continued delay could provoke nationwide labour unrest.
The warning was issued by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), which accused the government of failing to act on key issues affecting public servants, including unpaid wage award arrears and the implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance.
According to a report by Vanguard, the council, in a letter dated July 31, 2026, requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to resolve the lingering issues.
The workers said previous letters sent to the minister’s office had not received any response.
Among the key demands is the payment of two months’ outstanding 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 impact of fuel subsidy removal and the rising cost of living.
The council also demanded the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal public servants, which it said was expected to take effect from May 1, 2026, following a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Expressing frustration over what it described as the government’s slow response, the JNPSNC warned that continued inaction could heighten tensions among workers.
It added that relevant labour centres, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), had been informed of the situation.
Although the council did not announce a strike date, it warned that failure by the government to address the issues could trigger further action by workers.
The August 11 deadline, it clarified, is for the Finance Minister to meet with the council and address its demands, rather than the commencement of industrial action.
The latest development comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living and increasing pressure on public sector workers struggling to cope with prevailing economic conditions.