Labour leaders representing Nigeria’s public service have warned of possible industrial action against state governments that have yet to fully implement the civil servants salary adjustment tied to the N70,000 national minimum wage.
The warning was issued at a national retreat and expanded National Executive Council meeting of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Trade Union Side, held in Osogbo, Osun State. The gathering brought together labour representatives from federal and state public services to assess wage implementation, workers’ welfare and other pressing issues affecting public servants across the country.
Union leaders expressed concern that while several states have implemented the consequential salary adjustments arising from the new minimum wage, others have failed to honour agreements reached through collective bargaining. According to the council, the delays have created disparities among public servants nationwide and increased dissatisfaction among affected workers.
The JNPSNC resolved that its national leadership would take “appropriate hard steps” against states that continue to delay implementation of the agreed wage structure. Labour leaders maintained that governments must respect negotiated agreements to preserve industrial harmony and strengthen confidence between employers and employees.
Beyond the implementation of the current civil servants salary adjustment, the council argued that inflation has significantly reduced the value of workers’ earnings. Delegates noted that rising food prices, transportation costs, housing expenses and other living costs have weakened the purchasing power of public servants despite the introduction of the N70,000 minimum wage.
The council therefore called on both the Federal Government and state governments to consider a 400 per cent increase in the current minimum wage as an intervention to cushion the impact of the economic situation. It also endorsed the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), urging that discussions on a new national minimum wage should begin by July 2026 ahead of the statutory review scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
The meeting also highlighted several outstanding welfare matters affecting workers. Labour leaders urged the immediate implementation of the approved 40 per cent peculiar allowance linked to the new minimum wage, following the release of the official circular authorising the payment.
They also called for a review of the Scheme of Service for public servants, arguing that outdated provisions have limited career progression and promotion opportunities for many workers. The council appealed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to begin implementing reforms already approved by the 46th National Council on Establishment.
Civil servants salary adjustment was only one of several issues discussed during the meeting, as delegates also examined broader economic challenges affecting workers. The council urged the Federal Government to promote local production through cottage industries and large-scale manufacturing, improve electricity supply, provide tax relief for workers and investors, and implement policies capable of strengthening industrial growth.
Labour leaders said sustainable economic reforms would help stabilise the naira, create jobs and improve living standards.The resolutions adopted in Osogbo reflect growing pressure from public sector unions for governments to fulfil wage agreements, improve workers’ welfare and address the economic challenges confronting millions of Nigerian civil servants.
