*40% allowance, promotion arrears to be paid later*Last-minute deal saves FG from Labour showdown
By Victor Ahiuma-Young
The Federal Government has directed that the outstanding two-month wage award owed to federal civil servants be paid on or before August 15, 2026, following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC.
The breakthrough, reached at the last minute, effectively averted a planned labour confrontation after the JNPSNC suspended its August 11 ultimatum issued to the Minister’s office over unresolved workers’ welfare issues.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, was personally chaired by the Minister and attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance (Accounts), the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance (Special Duties), the Chief of Staff to the Minister, directors, special advisers and other senior officials of the ministry.








