Nigeria Pledges Outstanding Wage Award Payments by August 15

The Government of Nigeria pledged to pay outstanding two-month wage award arrears, totaling N35,000 per month, to federal civil servants by August 15, 2026. The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting in Abuja between Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele and leadership from the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

This commitment averted a planned labor confrontation and led the JPSNC to suspend an ultimatum that had been set for August 11. In addition to the wage awards, the government committed to processing outstanding promotion arrears for batches seven and nine, including previously omitted payments. The administration also agreed to facilitate a 40 percent peculiar allowance through a supplementary budget.

Minister Oyedele directed officials to fast-track all outstanding labor matters, stating that payment releases are in the final stage. The resolution follows demands from JPSNC National President Kabiru Ado Minjibir regarding salary relativity for health workers and general worker welfare. While the government emphasized its commitment to honoring agreements to maintain industrial harmony, labor leaders stated they would closely monitor the implementation of these resolutions.