**Labour Gives FG Deadline to Pay Outstanding Wages** As Nigeria's economy continues to grapple with various challenges, the organised labour in the federal public service has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government. In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) has given a Friday deadline for the release of funds to settle three months' outstanding wage awards and other pending allowances owed to workers. The eight unions in the civil service have been at odds with the government over the delayed payment of wages, which has persisted for over two years. Although partial payments were made after sustained pressure, three months remain unpaid since July 2024. The unions have accused the government of withholding funds meant for workers, alleging that relevant agencies are prepared to process payments once the Ministry of Finance releases the required funds. The wage award dispute began after the Federal Government approved a N70,000 minimum wage following the removal of fuel subsidy. The unions have recalled that the wage award was approved as a cushioning measure to mitigate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, and it was meant to run until the commencement of the new minimum wage implementation in July 2024. However, the unions have expressed dismay at the government's failure to pay the outstanding wages, describing it as "beyond the imagination and expectations of federal workers." They have listed other outstanding obligations requiring urgent attention, including promotion arrears for workers elevated more than three years ago, salary arrears for employees recruited between 2015 and 2024, and the proper implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance based on the N70,000 minimum wage. If the government fails to meet the February 27, 2026, deadline, the unions have warned of possible industrial action. The stakes are high, not just for the workers, but also for the government, which has been struggling to balance its budget and implement various policies. As the clock ticks down to the deadline, Nigerians are watching with bated breath to see how the government will respond to the labour unions' demands. Will the government finally come to the aid of its workers, or will the unions be forced to take more drastic action? Only time will tell.