Pay us now or face our wrath,’ Nigerian workers tell Tinubu over unpaid benefits

Nigerian public sector workers have given the Federal Government until August 11, 2026, to address outstanding welfare issues, warning that continued delay could trigger widespread labour unrest.

The warning was issued by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), which accused the government of failing to resolve several long-standing issues affecting federal public servants, including unpaid wage award arrears and the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

According to a report by Vanguard, the council conveyed its position in a letter dated July 31, 2026, requesting an urgent meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to resolve the outstanding matters.

The workers lamented that earlier letters sent to the minister’s office had yet to receive any response.

Among their demands is the payment of two months’ outstanding wage award arrears covering March and April 2026.

The wage award was introduced by the Federal Government in 2023 as a temporary intervention to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and the rising cost of living.

The council also called for the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal public servants, which it said was scheduled to take effect from May 1, 2026, following a directive issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

Expressing dissatisfaction with what it described as the government’s slow response, the JNPSNC warned that continued inaction could escalate tensions across the public service.

The council disclosed that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had been notified of the situation.

Although it did not announce an immediate strike, the council cautioned that failure to address the outstanding issues could force workers to take further action.

It clarified that the August 11 deadline is for the government to meet with the council and resolve the pending demands, rather than the date for the commencement of industrial action.

The development comes amid mounting concerns over the rising cost of living and increasing pressure on public sector workers grappling with the country’s current economic challenges.

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