By Hajara Abdullahi
Federal workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have issued a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over delays in implementing the agreed 40 per cent allowance linked to the N70,000 minimum wage.
This was contained in a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Benjamin Uyantomni, and jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga, on Thursday.
The workers decried the “undue delay” in issuing the necessary circular and salary templates required for the implementation of the allowance, warning that failure to meet the deadline could trigger industrial action.
“The National Leadership of the JNPSNC is constrained to draw the attention of the management of the NSIWC to the undue delay in issuing the appropriate circular and salary templates required to facilitate the payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance,” the letter read.
The union also recalled that it had formally written to the commission since September 1, 2025, but lamented that no action had been taken.
“This deliberate inaction has denied thousands of public servants their rightful entitlement,” the letter added.
At a meeting held on March 9, 2026, leaders of affiliate unions and council members demanded immediate action, stressing that their patience had been overstretched.
“Accordingly, we demand a positive response on or before Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Failure to comply will leave the council with no option but to take necessary action. No retreat, no surrender,” the letter stated.
The Federal Government had earlier approved a new national minimum wage of N70,000 following prolonged negotiations with organised labour unions.
The wage increase was aimed at cushioning the effects of rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and the high cost of living affecting workers across the country.