The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, representing organized labor in Nigeria's federal public service, has issued a Friday ultimatum to the Federal Government to release funds necessary for settling three months' worth of outstanding wage awards and other allowances owed to workers within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This demand stems from ongoing frustrations regarding wage disputes that have lingered for over two years, following the government's approval of a new minimum wage amidst inflation and fuel subsidy removal.

In a letter addressed to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the union leaders emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that the relevant agencies would process the payments pending the Ministry of Finance’s release of the necessary funds. The unions are expressing frustration with the government's failure to address these outstanding payments, portraying it as a deliberate withholding of resources meant for civil service employees. They are adamant that if their demands are not met by the February 27, 2026 deadline, decisive actions will follow, indicating a potential escalation in labor unrest.

This situation highlights the broader context of labor relations in Nigeria, where civil servants are grappling with the impact of economic policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, which has increased living costs. The ultimatum and potential action from labor unions could exacerbate existing tensions between the public sector and the federal government, challenging the government's ability to manage public service satisfaction during a critical period of economic adjustment.