The Federal Government has committed to paying two months of backdated wage awards to civil servants by August 15, 2026. This decision follows a critical meeting between Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele and representatives from the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), successfully preventing a planned industrial action.
The negotiation, which took place on August 5, 2026, addressed the ultimatum previously issued by the JNPSNC regarding unresolved welfare concerns. Minister Oyedele presided over the session alongside key ministry officials, while the labour side was headed by Comrade Kabiru Ado, who stood in for the JNPSNC National Chairman, Benjamin Anto Uyanto.
Beyond the immediate wage award payment, the government pledged to address the 40 percent peculiar allowance through a supplementary budget. Furthermore, officials confirmed that the settlement processes for promotion arrears covering batches seven and nine are now sorted. Minister Oyedele highlighted the importance of consistent dialogue with labour unions to prevent future conflicts.
Labour representatives, including JNPSNC National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga, noted that while the August 11 ultimatum is now suspended, they intend to supervise the government’s progress closely. Gbenga warned that failure to follow through on these agreements would lead to direct action against the Ministry of Finance without further notice.
