Labour unions in Nigeria’s federal public service have set a deadline for the Federal Government to release funds for unpaid wages and allowances.

The unions said workers are owed three months of outstanding wage awards and other pending payments across federal ministries, departments, and agencies.

The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side), representing eight civil service unions, informed the Ministry of Labour and Employment that the February 27, 2026 deadline must be met.

Failure to release the funds would force the unions to take action to secure the payments.

The unions accused the government of holding back funds that are ready for disbursement by relevant agencies.

They explained that although partial payments were made under pressure, three months remain unpaid since July 2024.

The dispute began after the Federal Government approved a N70,000 minimum wage following the removal of fuel subsidies, and workers were expecting timely implementation.

Other issues raised by the unions include unpaid promotion arrears for staff elevated more than three years ago, salary arrears for employees recruited between 2015 and 2024, and the proper implementation of a 40 percent peculiar allowance based on the new minimum wage.

Copies of the unions’ letter were sent to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, security agencies, and affiliated unions.

The unions stated that federal workers should not endure hardship due to delayed payments and that their entitlements must be respected.