Key Points

• Civil servants demand N154,000 minimum wage and 120% salary increase

• Union links demand to inflation and rising cost of living

• Council urges immediate negotiations and warns of potential unrest

Civil servants under the National Public Service Negotiating Council have called for a new minimum wage of N154,000 and a 120 percent increase in salaries and allowances.

The demand was outlined in a letter dated March 12, 2026, and addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The council said the proposal followed deliberations at a meeting held in Abuja earlier in March.

Rising costs drive demand

The union said public workers are facing worsening economic hardship due to inflation and rising living costs.

It cited increases in fuel prices, transportation, food, housing, healthcare and education as key pressures eroding workers’ incomes.

According to the council, current wages no longer reflect economic realities, leaving many civil servants struggling to meet basic needs.

Call for urgent negotiations

The council urged the government to begin immediate negotiations through the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

It proposed a new salary structure where entry-level officers on Grade Level 01 Step 1 would earn at least N154,000 monthly.

The group also called for harmonised implementation across ministries, departments and agencies, and encouraged adoption at state levels.

Push for cost-of-living adjustments

Beyond salary increases, the council asked for periodic adjustments tied to inflation to prevent wage erosion over time.

It also proposed welfare measures such as subsidised transport and affordable housing for civil servants.

The group said these steps would improve morale, productivity and service delivery across the public sector.

Warning over possible unrest

The council stressed that addressing workers’ welfare is necessary to maintain industrial harmony.

It warned that delays in reviewing salaries could trigger wider discontent.

At the same time, it reaffirmed its willingness to engage the government through dialogue.

Council commends gratuity approval

The union also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving full gratuity payments for retiring federal public servants.

It described the move as a step toward improving post-service welfare and recognising the contributions of civil servants.