The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has called for a new minimum wage of ₦154,000 and a 120 percent increase in salaries and allowances for public servants in Nigeria, citing worsening economic hardship.
The demand was contained in a letter dated March 12, 2026, addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, following a meeting of the council held in Abuja.
Signed by National Chairman Benjamin Anthony and National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga, the council said the proposal is aimed at addressing what it described as a “life of servitude” faced by many public workers.
According to the union, rising inflation, high fuel costs, increased transportation fares, and escalating prices of food, housing, healthcare, and education have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power.
“The real value of workers’ salaries has declined sharply, making it difficult for many to meet basic needs,” the council stated.
The JNPSNC noted that previous salary adjustments have failed to keep pace with current economic realities, leading to declining morale and productivity within the public service.
To address this, the council proposed that the minimum salary for a Grade Level 01 Step 1 officer be raised to ₦154,000 monthly, alongside a comprehensive review of allowances across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Also Read: http://ASUU Warns of Possible Misuse of Research Funds
It also recommended the introduction of periodic cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation, as well as non-monetary benefits such as subsidised transportation and affordable housing for civil servants.
The council urged the Office of the Head of Service, led by Didi Esther Walson-Jack, to immediately commence negotiations by directing the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and relevant bodies to engage with labour representatives.
While pressing its demands, the council commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving 100 percent gratuity payments to retiring federal public servants, describing the move as a positive step toward improving post-service welfare.
However, it stressed that urgent action on salary review is critical to sustaining the workforce, maintaining industrial harmony, and preventing potential social unrest.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, expressing hope that the government would give prompt attention to its demands in the interest of workers and national development.
