The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Trade Union Side, has given the Federal Government until August 11 to address the delayed payment of two months’ wage award. The union also demanded the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance for eligible federal workers. It urged the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to convene an urgent meeting before the deadline.
Union seeks urgent meeting
In a letter addressed to the minister, the JNPSNC said the meeting would provide an opportunity to resolve the outstanding issues. The National Secretary of the council, Gbenga Olowoyo, signed the letter on behalf of the National Chairman, Benjamin Yanto. The union expressed disappointment that the ministry had not responded to two earlier letters on the same issues. According to the council, an early meeting would help both sides reach an amicable solution and prevent industrial unrest.
“The national leadership expects that this meeting will help to address the above-stated outstanding issues to prevent palpable disquiet and the brewing industrial crisis.”
Labour lists key demands
The union said its demands centre on two unresolved issues. The first is the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The second is the payment of the outstanding wage award for March and April 2026. According to the council, the commission approved the allowance through a circular signed by its Executive Chairman, Eyo Nta.
It said the approval took effect from May 1, 2026. However, the union said the government has yet to implement the directive. The council also insisted that workers should have received the wage award together with their salaries for March and April.
Ministry accused of ignoring letters
The JNPSNC recalled that it first wrote to the minister on May 5, 2026. The letter requested payment of the outstanding wage award. The union said it sent another letter on July 9, 2026. That correspondence also requested implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance. According to the council, the ministry has not responded to either letter.
“To the surprise of the national leadership, none of the letters was responded to, let alone addressing the sensitive issues raised therein.”
The union added that the prolonged silence has increased anxiety among federal workers. It also alleged that many workers now see the delay as an attempt to withhold their approved entitlements.
Labour warns of possible action
The council warned that workers could take further action if the issues remain unresolved. It described the latest request for a meeting as an effort to prevent an industrial crisis.
“This request should be seen as a proactive approach from the national leadership to avert drastic actions from workers due to your insensitive silence to our two previous letters.”
Pressure grows on FG
The latest warning adds to growing pressure on the Federal Government to fulfil agreements reached with organised labour after the removal of fuel subsidy.
Although the government introduced a temporary monthly wage award, labour unions have continued to demand payment of outstanding arrears. They have also urged the government to implement the approved 40 per cent peculiar allowance across eligible Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
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