Nigeria labour unions issue ultimatums over wages and funding

Various labour unions in Nigeria are threatening industrial action over wage disputes and funding shortages. In Osun State, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve the withholding of statutory allocations for local government councils. The NLC warned of a three-day sympathy strike and the picketing of United Bank for Africa branches if the funding crisis is not addressed.

In Yobe State, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has given the state government a 14-day ultimatum to implement welfare demands, including a 65-year retirement age and updated salary structures. The union cited unequal treatment between academic and non-academic staff as a primary concern.

Nationally, tensions have emerged between the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) regarding a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance approved by the Federal Government. NLC President Joe Ajaero defended the payment as temporary relief for civil servants, while the TUC rejected the measure, arguing that temporary awards are unsustainable and that the government should instead focus on permanent salary increases.