Labour unions and worker organisations in Nigeria have raised concerns about outstanding wage and award payments, including three months of unpaid salaries and allowances owed by the Federal Government to various categories of workers.
Demonstrations of dissatisfaction have occurred in recent weeks, and union leaders have engaged government representatives to seek resolution.
The deadline comes amid broader discussions between labour leaders and government officials on strategies to clear arrears, safeguard workers’ welfare and ensure compliance with existing wage award agreements.
In the joint statement signed by Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, and Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, labour said the Federal Government must meet the Friday deadline to clear outstanding payments.
The unions said the arrears include:
- Three months’ unpaid wages for certain categories of federal workers.
- Award arrears owed under existing wage agreements; and
- Other outstanding obligations owed to workers and retirees.
The statement called on the Minister of Finance and other relevant government officials to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with the deadline and clear the backlog of payments owing to workers.
Labour leaders said they will meet again on Friday to review the government’s response and determine the next course of action, though they did not specify any planned protests or actions beyond the deadline.
If the Federal Government meets the deadline, outstanding wages and awards owed to workers and pensioners would be cleared, resolving one of the key labour demands and potentially reducing discussions of industrial action.
Failure to meet the deadline may prompt further engagement between labour leaders and government representatives to address the arrears.
The demand underscores ongoing concerns among public sector workers about timely payment of wages and awards, and the role of government in fulfilling contractual and statutory obligations.
