Civil servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have issued a deadline of August 11, 2026, to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, to address outstanding welfare concerns or face possible nationwide industrial action.

This development comes just days after the minister stated that savings from fuel subsidy removal were utilized to meet salary and wage obligations of public servants. However, the JNPSNC has strongly refuted this claim, accusing the Federal Government of failing to fulfill key commitments to workers.

In a letter dated July 31, 2026, and jointly signed by the National Chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, and the National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, the council demanded an urgent meeting with the minister. The union expressed concern over the non-payment of two months’ wage award arrears (March and April 2026) and the delayed implementation of the 40 percent peculiar allowance for federal public servants.

The council noted that two previous letters,bdated May 5 and July 9, 2026, had been sent to the minister’s office but were ignored. According to the union, the continued silence from the ministry has heightened dissatisfaction among workers.

“It is disappointing that none of our earlier communications was acknowledged, let alone addressed,” the council stated, adding that the lack of response reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

The JNPSNC emphasized that the 40 percent peculiar allowance, as directed by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, was scheduled to take effect from May 1, 2026, but has yet to be implemented.

The council has requested a meeting with the minister on or before August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., to resolve the issues and avert what it described as a looming industrial crisis.

Warning of potential unrest, the union stated that failure to act could trigger “the wrath of Nigerian workers” through a nationwide strike. It further disclosed that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other relevant stakeholders have been notified of the situation.

The council described its request as a proactive step to prevent escalation, urging the government to act swiftly in addressing the grievances of public servants.