The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (NPSNC) has called for a new minimum wage of N154,000 and a 120 per cent upward review of salaries and allowances for public servants in Nigeria, citing worsening economic hardship across the country.
In a letter jointly signed by its National Chairman, Benjamin Anthony, and National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, the council urged the Federal Government to urgently review workers’ remuneration to reflect current economic realities. The demand followed an extensive meeting held on March 9, 2026, at the AUPCTRE National Secretariat in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
The council stated that public servants are currently facing a “life of servitude” due to rising inflation, high fuel costs, expensive transportation, and increasing prices of essential goods and services such as food, housing, healthcare, and education.
According to the NPSNC, the purchasing power of workers has significantly declined over the years, making it difficult for many to meet basic needs. It added that previous salary adjustments have failed to keep pace with the current economic situation, leading to low morale and reduced productivity within the public service.
To address the situation, the council proposed the immediate commencement of negotiations between the government and relevant bodies, including the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC). It recommended the development of a new salary structure that would set the minimum pay for Grade Level 01 Step 1 officers at N154,000 per month.
The NPSNC also called for the harmonisation of wages across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as implementation at state and local government levels to ensure fairness nationwide.
In addition, the council advocated the introduction of periodic cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation rates and the provision of non-monetary benefits such as subsidised transportation and affordable housing for civil servants.
The council emphasised that improving workers’ welfare is critical not only for economic reasons but also for maintaining industrial harmony and enhancing the efficiency of public service delivery.
While pressing its demands, the NPSNC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving 100 per cent gratuity payments for retiring federal public servants. It described the move as a significant step toward improving the welfare of retirees and preventing post-service hardship.
The council reiterated its commitment to dialogue with the government but warned that failure to act promptly could lead to growing discontent among workers.
Copies of the letter were sent to key government officials, including the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Labour and Employment; the Chairman of the NSIWC; the Accountant-General of the Federation; and leaders of major labour unions.
