Local government workers in Abia State, Nigeria, are on the verge of embarking on a three-day warning strike if the state government fails to address outstanding salary arrears and promotion-related issues. The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) issued the warning in a letter dated September 21, 2026, to the Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The union cited long-standing salary and promotion problems affecting hundreds of local government employees across the 17 local government areas.
According to NULGE, 114 workers have not received salaries for almost three years, with 92 having completed the verification process required by the authorities. The remaining 22 workers are still waiting to be verified. Additionally, over 251 employees have received partial payments despite completing the required verification, with salary arrears still outstanding. The union raised concerns over the welfare of local government employees who have continued to report for duty while waiting for salaries and other benefits.
The union's General Secretary, Comrade Gambo Isah, signed the letter, titled "Urgent Demand For Immediate Resolution Of Outstanding Salaries, Salary Arrears And Promotion Implementation For Local Government Employees In Abia State." NULGE called on the state government to immediately intervene and settle the outstanding obligations. The union faulted the continued withholding of salaries after affected employees had complied with verification requirements.
NULGE alleged that local government workers are still owed their November and December 2020 salaries, and promotions earned by employees since 2021 have not been implemented. The delay has prevented workers from receiving financial benefits attached to their promotions and career progression. The union maintained that workers should not suffer for administrative delays after completing the requirements demanded by government authorities.
The union said it has exercised considerable patience and repeatedly used dialogue to prevent the dispute from escalating into industrial action. However, the continued delay has made it increasingly difficult to maintain industrial peace among local government workers. NULGE gave the Abia State Government until September 30, 2026, to address the issues and requested immediate engagement between relevant government agencies.
NULGE warned that failure to achieve substantial compliance by the September 30 deadline would result in a three-day warning strike from October 5 to 7, 2026. The proposed action could affect activities at local government secretariats across the state if the dispute is not resolved before the deadline. The union, however, indicated that it is still open to dialogue and appealed to the commissioner to treat the matter as one of urgent industrial and humanitarian importance.
The planned strike has raised fresh concerns over the welfare of local government employees in Abia State. The union's demands include a clear plan for settling outstanding salaries and implementing pending promotions, along with a definite timeline for implementation. The Abia State Government has been urged to take immediate action to resolve the issues and prevent the proposed industrial action.
Key points
- Local government workers in Abia State threaten 3-day strike over 3 years' unpaid salaries and promotion issues.
- 114 workers have not received salaries for almost three years, with 92 having completed verification.
- The strike, scheduled for October 5-7, 2026, could affect activities at local government secretariats.
