Despite Increased Allocations After Subsidy Removal, Benue LG Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries

Local government workers in Benue State have embarked on an indefinite strike beginning Thursday, May 14, 2026, over the non-payment of salaries, delayed promotions, and unresolved pension remittances.

The industrial action follows the failure of the state government, led by Hyacinth Alia, to meet the workers’ demands after a series of ultimatums issued by the union.

The directive was issued by the Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in a notice dated May 13, 2026. The notice was jointly signed by the State President, Joshua Adah Adiniya, and the State Secretary, Aseneshi Musa Yusuf.

According to the union, the decision to proceed with the strike followed the expiration of an earlier 14-day ultimatum and a subsequent seven-working-day reminder, both of which failed to elicit a response from the state government.

In a statement titled “Notification of Strike Action,” NULGE accused the government of neglecting multiple opportunities to resolve the dispute.

“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 statement read.

The workers are demanding immediate payment of outstanding salaries for March and April 2026, implementation of pending promotions, resolution of issues surrounding BEPCON remittances, reinstatement of disengaged 2011/2012 local government workers, and settlement of salary arrears owed across the state.

The union further disclosed that its State Executive Council (SEC), at a meeting held on April 21, 2026, had resolved to press for action on the lingering issues, but noted that no meaningful steps had been taken by the government.

“The union has been pushed to the wall and is left with no option,” the statement added, directing members to commence what it described as a “two-week stay-at-home warning strike” effective from May 14.

NULGE also instructed workers across the 23 local government areas to ensure full compliance, describing the action as a “total shutdown of local government administration in Benue State until further directive.”

Copies of the notice were forwarded to local government chairmen, divisional police officers, heads of the State Security Service across the councils, and the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state.

The strike is expected to significantly disrupt administrative and grassroots services across the state if the impasse remains unresolved.