The Federal Government faces the prospect of industrial action after organised labour in the federal public service issued a Friday, February 27, 2026, deadline for the release of funds covering three months’ outstanding wage awards and other unpaid allowances.
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) alleged that the government has deliberately withheld funds meant for workers, despite agencies being ready to process the payments.
“The wage award has dragged on for over two years now since the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage payment was approved,” the union stated in a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance.
Labour leaders warned that failure to meet the deadline would compel the eight unions within the civil service to take decisive action, a move that could disrupt federal operations nationwide.
Available information indicates that while government agencies are prepared to make the payments, they remain constrained by the Ministry of Finance’s non-release of the required funds.
“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 JNPSNC warned.
