By Nworisa Michael
The Kaduna State chapter of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) has issued a warning of possible industrial action over delays in approving and implementing salary adjustments for civil servants on Grade Level 07 and above.
The council, which represents eight industrial unions across federal and state public services, made its position known after a State Administrative Council meeting held on March 30, 2026, at the Secretariat of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives in Kaduna.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Danjuma Yusuf, and Secretary, Musa Muhammed, the JNC criticised the state government for what it described as prolonged inaction and unnecessary delays in addressing the matter.
According to the council, a Minimum Wage and Consequential Adjustments Committee set up in October 2024 had submitted its report the following month, but the government is yet to act on its recommendations.
Instead, the government commenced a staff verification exercise in January 2025 aimed at eliminating ghost workers. The exercise, initially expected to last three months, reportedly remained incomplete as of December 2025, further stalling the implementation process.
The JNC said it had written to the state government on multiple occasions, including in October 2025 and January 2026, urging prompt approval of the adjustments. Although a review committee comprising representatives of labour unions and government officials was later constituted and submitted its findings, no concrete action has followed.
The council warned that failure to implement the salary adjustments before the payment of April 2026 salaries would trigger a boycott of the 2026 May Day celebrations. It added that workers would stage protests, which could escalate into an indefinite strike if the situation remains unresolved.
It also pointed out that while Kaduna State has implemented the N72,000 minimum wage for workers on Grade Levels 01 to 06, employees on Grade Level 07 and above have yet to receive corresponding adjustments, worsening their financial situation amid rising living costs.
The JNC further noted that at least 35 states across the country have already implemented similar salary adjustments since 2024, leaving Kaduna workers at a disadvantage.
The council urged the state government to take immediate action to prevent disruption of public services, stressing that workers’ patience is wearing thin.
