Local government workers across Benue State on Thursday commenced a 14-day warning strike over unpaid salary arrears and other welfare issues.
The directive was issued by the state leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees, signed by state president, Joshua Adiniya, and secretary, Asenenshi Yusuf.
In a notice titled Notification Of Strike Action dated May 13, 2026, the union said the action followed the failure of the state government to meet demands earlier presented to authorities.
The union said: “You may recall that the State Executive Council of NULGE Benue State, in her meeting of 21st April 2026, resolved, among other issues, and requested the Benue State Government to unconditionally pay her members’ salaries for March/April 2026.
“Unconditional release and implementation of all pending promotions of Local Government staff.
“Resolve all issues militating against the smooth implementation of BEPCON remittances of Local Government workers of Benue State.
“Reinstatement of disengaged 2011/2012 Local Government workers and Payment of all salary arrears of Local Government Workers in Benue State.”
The union said it had earlier issued a 14-day notice and a seven-working-day reminder to the government but received no positive response.
According to the notice: “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.”
Speaking with journalists, Adiniya said the Benue State Government owed local government workers seven months’ salary arrears.
Efforts to get the government’s reaction were unsuccessful.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Terna Ayu, declined comments when contacted.
The strike comes as preparations continue ahead of the general elections and marks the first industrial action by local government workers since the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia began nearly three years ago.
Alia had during the recent Workers’ Day celebration pledged commitment to the welfare of workers across the state.
