Benue LG Workers Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Council Shutdown

Workers from local governments in Benue State have commenced a two-week strike, effectively shutting down councils across the state due to unpaid salaries and unresolved welfare issues. The strike, initiated by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), began on May 7, 2026, after the state government failed to respond to previous demands.

NULGE had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum for the government to address outstanding salaries for March and April 2026, implement pending promotions, and resolve challenges affecting local government workers. During a meeting on April 21, 2025, the union formally requested the unconditional payment of these salaries and the reinstatement of disengaged workers from 2011 and 2012.

The state executive council reconvened on May 7, 2026, granting an additional seven working days for compliance. However, the lack of positive outcomes led to the full withdrawal of services by local government workers, resulting in a total lockdown of local government activities in Benue State until further notice.