Organised labour in the federal public service has issued a Friday deadline to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate release of funds to settle three months’ outstanding wage awards and other pending allowances owed to workers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The unions accused the government of withholding funds meant for workers, alleging that relevant agencies were prepared to process payments once the Ministry of Finance released the required funds. The wage award dispute, which has persisted for over two years, followed the Federal Government’s approval of a N70,000 minimum wage after the removal of fuel subsidy. Labour leaders stated that although partial payments were made after sustained pressure, three months remain unpaid since July 2024, heightening tension within the federal workforce. Copies of the letter were also forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, security agencies and affiliate unions for urgent attention.

Source: Punch February 26, 2026 07:25 UTC