By Danjuma Amodu | March 5, 2026
A breakthrough has been reached in negotiations between the Federal Government and public sector unions over long-outstanding wage awards and deductions owed to federal workers. After intense talks, the government has approved a three-month wage award, with February salaries to be disbursed sequentially, and commitments to remit third-party deductions on time.
The agreement, reached on March 2, averted a threatened nationwide strike by labour unions, who had issued a February 27 ultimatum demanding payment of wage awards and allowances. Labour leaders hailed the development as “productive” and “exhaustive”, with assurances of further talks on outstanding demands, including a 40% peculiar allowance for federal public servants.
Minister of Finance Wale Edun and Labour leaders held talks, leading to the breakthrough.
The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation says one month’s wage award arrears are being processed, with measures in place to prevent future disruptions. February 2026 salaries have begun, following a technical hitch that caused delays.
The resolution signals a renewed commitment to dialogue between the government and labour unions, offering relief to federal workers after prolonged uncertainty and financial strain.
The wage award was introduced as a temporary measure to cushion the impact of economic reforms and rising living costs on public sector employees.
