The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has issued an ultimatum to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, demanding an urgent meeting over the non-payment of two months’ wage award arrears and the delayed implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal public servants.
The council warned that failure to resolve the issues could trigger a nationwide industrial action, giving the minister until August 11, 2026, to engage with its leadership or face what it described as the “wrath of Nigerian workers.”
In a letter dated July 31, 2026, and jointly signed by the National Chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, and the National Secretary (Trade Union Side), Olowoyo Gbenga, the union accused the minister of ignoring two previous letters seeking intervention on the outstanding welfare issues.
According to the council, the Federal Government’s continued silence has heightened frustration among public servants across the country.
The union expressed disappointment that despite writing twice to the minister’s office, it had yet to receive any response.
“It is on the strength of the above that the National leadership found it very expedient to remind your esteemed person that the National leadership has written two different letters and submitted to your office; congratulating you on your recent appointment as the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and equally stating outstanding issues affecting Nigerian workers which fall within the purview of your respected office,” the letter stated.
The council noted that the first correspondence, dated May 5, 2026, was titled “Payment of Outstanding Two Months Award to Federal Public Servants,” while subsequent communication also highlighted unresolved welfare concerns affecting federal workers.
JNPSNC said the minister’s failure to respond to either letter demonstrated disregard for the concerns of Nigerian workers, warning that continued inaction could leave the union with no option but to mobilise members for nationwide industrial action.
The union is demanding the immediate payment of the outstanding two-month wage award and the full implementation of the approved 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal public servants, insisting that both issues have lingered for too long.
With the August 11 deadline fast approaching, attention is now on the Federal Government’s response, as any breakdown in negotiations could disrupt public services across the country if workers proceed with a nationwide strike.
