The Federal Government has agreed to pay two months of outstanding wage award arrears on or before August 15, 2026, while also committing to facilitate a supplementary budget for the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance for eligible public servants.
The resolution was reached during a meeting between the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and the national leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The meeting, chaired by the minister, was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance (Accounts), the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance (Special Duties), the Chief of Staff to the Minister, directors, special advisers and other senior officials of the ministry.
Representing the JNPSNC National Chairman, Comrade Benjamin Anto Uyanto, mni, was Comrade Kabiru Ado, National President of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and National Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Also in attendance were the National Secretary of JNPSNC and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga; the National Assistant Secretary of JNPSNC and General Secretary of MHWUN, Comrade Kiyawa; alongside other labour leaders.
Following extensive deliberations, both parties agreed that the outstanding two months’ wage award would be paid on or before August 15.
On the long-awaited 40 per cent peculiar allowance, the minister assured labour leaders that the Ministry of Finance would work with the Budget Office to secure a supplementary budget to provide funding for the allowance.
The meeting also addressed the issue of outstanding promotion arrears. It was resolved that payment processes for batches seven and nine, which had remained unresolved for some time, would be concluded.
Speaking during the meeting, Oyedele emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue between government and organised labour, noting that continuous engagement remains essential for maintaining industrial harmony and strengthening working relationships with union leaders.
Earlier, Comrade Kabiru Ado reaffirmed the commitment of the JNPSNC to protecting the welfare of public servants, stressing that the union would continue to engage constructively with the government in the interest of workers.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of JNPSNC, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga, said the union’s recent actions were intended to avert a major industrial crisis, noting that workers had been prepared to stage a peaceful occupation of the Minister’s office over the unresolved welfare issues.
He urged government ministries, departments and agencies to promptly implement agreements reached with workers and maintain effective communication to prevent avoidable industrial disputes.
According to him, the failure of the Ministry of Finance to respond to several correspondences from the union necessitated the ultimatum earlier issued to the minister.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Olowoyo announced that the August 11 ultimatum earlier issued by the JNPSNC had been suspended following the commitments made by the Federal Government.
He, however, warned that the union would closely monitor the implementation of all resolutions reached at the meeting.
“The leadership of the JNPSNC Trade Union Side will monitor the implementation of every resolution reached today. Should there be any failure to implement these commitments, Nigerian workers will not hesitate to resume industrial action, including picketing the Office of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, without issuing any fresh ultimatum,” he said.
