Local government employees in Benue State, on Thursday began a two-week warning strike over unpaid wages, delayed promotions, and unresolved pension remittances, disrupting operations across all 23 local government councils in the state.
The strike came after the expiration of an earlier 14-day ultimatum and a further seven working days’ notice issued to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration by the Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
In a notice dated May 13, 2026, and endorsed by the State President, Joshua Adah Adiniya, alongside the State Secretary, Aseneshi Musa Yusuf, the union accused the state government of neglecting persistent welfare concerns affecting council workers.
The document, titled “Notification of Strike Action,” explained that the union had pursued all possible dialogue channels before taking this step.
“Unfortunately, the Benue State Government has remained adamant and ignored all the opportunities offered by the union to resolve these disputes and avert the consequences,” the union stated.
Among their demands are the immediate settlement of March and April 2026 salary arrears, execution of overdue promotions, resolution of BEPCON remittance issues, reinstatement of local government workers disengaged in 2011/2012, and payment of accumulated outstanding salaries.
NULGE noted that its State Executive Council had, during a meeting on April 21, 2026, agreed to intensify pressure on the government for prompt action, but regretted that no substantial response was received.
“The union has been pushed to the wall and is left with no option,” the statement added, instructing all council workers to embark on a two-week stay-at-home warning strike starting Thursday, May 14, 2026.
The union also directed members across the 23 local government areas to fully comply with the action, describing it as “a total lockdown of the third tier of government in Benue State until further directive.”
Copies of the strike notice were also sent to local government chairmen, divisional police officers, heads of the Department of State Services within the councils, and the Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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