FG Sets Deadline for Payment of Civil Servants’ Outstanding Wage Award

The Federal Government has directed that the outstanding two-month wage award owed to federal civil servants be paid on or before August 15, 2026, following an agreement reached with organised labour during a high-level meeting in Abuja.

The decision was reached after talks between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC). The agreement also led to the suspension of a planned industrial action after the union withdrew its August 11 ultimatum.

The meeting, chaired by the finance minister, was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, including the Permanent Secretary (Accounts), the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), the minister’s Chief of Staff, directors, special advisers and other top government officials.

The labour delegation was led by the National President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and National Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kabiru Ado, who represented the National Chairman of the JNPSNC. Other union leaders, including the council’s National Secretary, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga, and National Assistant Secretary, Comrade Kiyawa, also attended the meeting.

After extensive discussions, both sides agreed that the outstanding wage award would be paid on or before August 15.

The minister also assured labour leaders that the Federal Government would facilitate the payment of the long-awaited 40 per cent peculiar allowance through a supplementary budget. The Ministry of Finance is expected to work with the Budget Office to secure the required funds for the allowance.

The meeting also addressed the issue of unpaid promotion arrears, with the government confirming that payment processes for batches seven and nine had been resolved.

During the discussions, Oyedele stressed the importance of maintaining regular dialogue with organised labour to strengthen working relationships and ensure that workers’ welfare concerns are resolved promptly.

Labour leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the interests of public servants while working with the government to avoid unnecessary industrial disputes.

Following the meeting, the JNPSNC announced the suspension of its August 11 ultimatum, saying the decision was based on the commitments made by the Federal Government.

The union, however, said it would closely monitor the implementation of all agreements reached to ensure that the promised payments and other commitments are fulfilled.