Public sector labour leaders have warned state governments that continued delays in implementing salary adjustments linked to the ₦70,000 national minimum wage could trigger industrial action. The warning came after a national meeting of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), where union leaders expressed growing concern over the Salary adjustments delay affecting workers across the country.
The warning followed a national retreat and expanded National Executive Council meeting of the JNPSNC Trade Union Side held in Osogbo, Osun State.
Delegates accused some state governments of failing to implement consequential salary adjustments agreed through collective bargaining following the introduction of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage. According to the union, while several states have complied with the revised wage structure, others have yet to fully implement the negotiated adjustments, creating disparities in workers’ earnings nationwide.
The council resolved that its national leadership would take “appropriate hard steps” against states that continue to ignore the wage agreement, warning that negotiated labour agreements must be respected to preserve industrial harmony. The Salary adjustments delay has become a major source of dissatisfaction among public servants.
Labour leaders also argued that the purchasing power of workers has been severely weakened by rising inflation, increasing food prices, transportation costs and higher living expenses. To cushion the economic pressure on workers, the council urged both the Federal Government and state governments to consider a 400 per cent increase in the current minimum wage as an intervention measure.
The council further endorsed the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), calling for negotiations on a new national minimum wage to begin by July 2026, ahead of the statutory wage review scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. According to the union, early negotiations would reduce delays, disputes and uncertainty that have characterised previous wage review exercises.
Beyond salary issues, the council urged the immediate implementation of the recently approved 40 per cent peculiar allowance associated with the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
While acknowledging the release of the relevant government circular, labour leaders called on the responsible authorities to ensure prompt implementation. The meeting also requested a review of the Scheme of Service for public servants, arguing that outdated provisions have limited promotion opportunities and career advancement for many workers.
The council appealed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to begin the review process, noting that the proposal had already received approval at the 46th National Council on Establishment. According to union leaders, updating the framework would improve staff morale, strengthen productivity and enhance efficiency across the public service.
The meeting also examined wider economic challenges affecting workers, including the depreciation of the naira and rising inflation, which participants said have significantly reduced household purchasing power.
The council urged the Federal Government to adopt policies that encourage local manufacturing through cottage industries and large-scale industrial production. Other recommendations included improved electricity supply, tax relief for workers and businesses, and stronger legislative support for policies that promote industrial growth and reduce reliance on imports.
Labour leaders said sustainable economic reforms remain essential to creating jobs, improving living standards and restoring workers’ confidence. The resolutions reached in Osogbo reflect increasing pressure on governments to address the Salary adjustments delay, improve public sector welfare and implement economic policies capable of easing the financial burden facing millions of Nigerian workers.
