Map of Benue State
Local government workers across Benue State have commenced a 14-day warning strike over the non-payment of salary arrears and other welfare-related demands, raising concerns about possible disruptions to grassroots administration across the state.
The industrial action, which began on Thursday, was directed by the Benue State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE. The directive was jointly signed by the union’s State President, Joshua Adiniya, and Secretary, Aseneshi Yusuf.
In a notice titled “Notification of Strike Action,” dated May 13, 2026, the union said the decision followed the failure of the Benue State Government to address long-standing issues affecting local government workers despite repeated appeals and official notices.
Among the key demands of the workers are the immediate payment of outstanding salaries for March and April 2026, implementation of pending promotions, resolution of challenges affecting BEPCON remittances, reinstatement of disengaged workers from 2011 and 2012, as well as payment of accumulated salary arrears.
The union explained that it had earlier issued the mandatory 14-day ultimatum and an additional seven-day reminder to the government, but regretted that no meaningful response was received.
Speaking on the development, NULGE President Joshua Adiniya disclosed that some local government workers in the state are being owed up to seven months’ salaries, a situation he described as unbearable given the current economic realities in the country.
He said the union had exhausted all avenues for dialogue before resorting to industrial action, stressing that the strike became necessary to press home the workers’ demands and draw attention to their welfare challenges.
The warning strike is expected to affect activities across the 23 local government areas of the state, including administrative operations and essential local council services.
Efforts to get an official response from the Benue State Government were unsuccessful, as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Terna Ayu, declined to comment on the matter.
The strike comes at a sensitive period as political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum across the country.
It also marks the first major industrial action by local government workers since Governor Hyacinth Alia assumed office nearly three years ago, despite repeated assurances by the administration on improving workers’ welfare.
