Local government workers across Benue State on Thursday commenced a two-week warning strike following unresolved disputes over unpaid salaries and other welfare concerns.
The strike directive was issued by the state leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees, signed by the state president, Joshua Adiniya, and secretary, Aséneshi Yusuf.
In a notice titled “Notification of Strike Action” dated May 13, 2026, the union said the industrial action became necessary after the state government allegedly failed to address several demands raised by workers.
According to the union, the demands include the immediate payment of March and April 2026 salaries, unconditional release and implementation of pending promotions for local government staff, resolution of issues affecting the smooth implementation of BEPCON remittances, reinstatement of disengaged 2011 and 2012 local government workers, and payment of outstanding salary arrears.
The notice stated that the union had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum and a seven-working-day reminder to the state government, but alleged that no meaningful response was received.
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“In view of the above, the union has been pushed to the wall and is left with no option, hence resolved that all local government workers should commence a two-week stay-at-home warning strike effective from Thursday, 14th May 2026,” the statement read.
Speaking with journalists on the phone, Adiniya claimed that the Benue State government currently owed local government workers up to seven months’ salary arrears.
Efforts to get the government’s response yielded little result, as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Terna Ayu, declined to comment on the matter when contacted.
The strike comes amid preparations for the forthcoming general elections and marks the first major industrial action by local government workers since Governor Hyacinth Alia assumed office nearly three years ago.
Governor Alia had during the recent Workers’ Day celebration reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare across the state.