The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government until August 11, 2026, to settle outstanding wage award payments owed to federal workers, warning that failure to meet the deadline could trigger nationwide industrial action.

The ultimatum was issued after deliberations by the NLC’s National Executive Council, which expressed concern over delays in the payment of the wage award introduced to cushion the impact of economic reforms and the rising cost of living. Labour leaders said many workers are yet to receive the full benefits despite previous government assurances.

According to the congress, the outstanding wage award remains a critical component of agreements reached with the Federal Government during negotiations over workers’ welfare. The union argued that timely payment is necessary to ease the financial burden on public sector employees facing persistent inflation and increasing living expenses.

The NLC called on the government to honour all commitments relating to workers’ welfare, including the implementation of agreed salary adjustments and other negotiated benefits. It stressed that respecting collective agreements is essential for maintaining industrial harmony and preventing unnecessary disruptions to public services.

Labour leaders warned that failure to address the issue before the August 11 deadline would leave the union with no option but to mobilise members for appropriate industrial action in line with labour laws and established procedures.

Analysts note that prolonged labour disputes could affect productivity across key sectors of the economy, including construction, infrastructure delivery, public administration, and housing programmes that depend on government agencies for implementation. They added that resolving wage-related issues through dialogue would help sustain economic activities and maintain investor confidence.

Stakeholders have therefore urged both the Federal Government and organised labour to continue constructive engagement in order to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. They argue that timely implementation of agreements will strengthen trust, improve workforce morale, and support the effective delivery of public services.

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Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged organised labour to broaden its advocacy beyond minimum wage negotiations by demanding the enforcement of existing laws and policies that guarantee affordable housing, healthcare, pensions, and other social welfare benefits for Nigerian workers.

Speaking at a symposium in Abuja held in honour of the late labour activist Dr. Segun Osoba, Falana argued that workers’ welfare extends beyond salary increases. He said labour unions should compel governments at all levels to fully implement social protection programmes that improve workers’ living standards and provide long-term economic security.

Falana specifically called for the implementation of the National Housing Act, noting that workers contribute three per cent of their monthly earnings to the National Housing Fund to facilitate access to affordable homes. He questioned why many contributors have yet to benefit from the scheme despite years of deductions, stressing that labour unions should insist on accountability and effective implementation of the programme.

He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing housing shortage, stating that millions of Nigerians remain without access to decent accommodation. According to him, affordable housing programmes must be strengthened to ensure workers can benefit from government-backed housing initiatives and improve their quality of life.

Beyond housing, Falana urged labour leaders to advocate for improved health insurance, prompt payment of pensions, better social protection measures, and increased allowances for workers. He maintained that enforcing existing welfare laws would have a greater impact on workers’ well-being than focusing solely on periodic wage increases.

Stakeholders believe Falana’s position reinforces the need for stronger implementation of housing and social welfare policies as part of broader labour reforms. They argue that improving access to affordable housing, healthcare, and social security would complement wage improvements and contribute to a higher standard of living for Nigerian workers.

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Two major oil unions; PENGASSAN and NUPENG have strongly opposed the Federal Government’s reported plan to divest up to 35% of its stakes in joint venture oil assets managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

At a joint press briefing in Abuja, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo warned that the sale would “mortgage the future of Nigerians for temporary gains,” arguing that it could bankrupt NNPCL and reduce its ability to fund salaries and support the national budget.

Currently, the government holds 55–60% of these assets. The unions said any reduction would weaken Nigeria’s national oil company and threaten its contributions to the economy.

“The NNPCL manages JV assets on behalf of the Federation. Every oil well belongs to the Nigerian people,” Osifo stated. “If these stakes are sold, the federation loses.”

The proposal comes as President Bola Tinubu pushes for reforms to optimize spending and boost federal revenue. However, the unions warned that amending the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) just three years after it was passed would damage investor confidence.

“Investors are just beginning to understand the PIA, and suddenly government wants to change it again,” said NUPENG President Williams Akporeha. “Every serious oil-producing country protects its national oil company. Here, we are doing the opposite.”

They also accused the Ministry of Finance of trying to sideline the Ministry of Petroleum in managing NNPCL, calling it a “backdoor hijack.”

While not announcing a strike, the unions issued a firm warning: “We will fight with everything to stop this,” Osifo declared.

Both unions urged President Tinubu to personally halt the divestment and maintain NNPCL’s core national role.

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