The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Benue State chapter, has directed all local government workers in the state to begin a two-week warning strike effective Thursday (May 14, 2026) over unresolved welfare issues.

State President of NULGE, Joshua Ada, in a statement yesterday in Makurdi, said the decision followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum and a subsequent seven-day reminder notice served on the state government, which he said was ignored.

Ada in the statement said the union had been pushed to the wall and was left with no option but to proceed with the industrial action.

“You may recall that the State Executive Council of NULGE Benue State chapter, at its meeting of 21st April 2026, resolved and requested the Benue State government to unconditionally pay members’ salaries for March and April 2026,” Ada said.

He listed other demands to include the unconditional release and implementation of all pending promotions for local government staff, resolution of issues affecting the smooth remittance of BEPCON deductions, reinstatement of disengaged 2011/2012 local government workers, and payment of all salary arrears owed to workers in the state.

Ada said the SEC reconvened on May 7, after the expiration of the ultimatum and resolved to issue a final reminder notice to the government.

“Unfortunately, the Benue State government has remained adamant and ignored all the opportunities offered by the union to resolve these disputes and avert the consequences,” he said.

He directed all local government workers to comply fully with the directive for a total lockdown of the third tier of government in Benue State, equally enjoining them to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of the SEC directive for a total lockdown of the third tier of government in the state.