The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has threatened to mobilise federal workers for an indefinite nationwide strike over worsening insecurity, unpaid worker entitlements, and unresolved wage-related issues across the country.
The forum, speaking after an online meeting held on Saturday, accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately protect workers and neglecting promised salary adjustments. In a communiqué made available to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday, the group also criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for what it described as a failure to provide effective leadership on workers’ welfare and the nation’s security challenges.
The communiqué, signed by FWF National Coordinator Andrew Emelieze and Secretary Ayo Ogundele, stated that an online poll conducted among members showed overwhelming support for immediate strike action to address the rising hardship and insecurity confronting workers nationwide.
According to the forum, the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment failed to improve workers’ earnings, describing it as a “hoax” for federal employees.
The group alleged that only a flat ₦40,000 was added to salaries across all grade levels and that the amount was taxed, thereby reducing the actual benefit received by workers.
The FWF also claimed that a promised 40 per cent peculiar allowance announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, and expected to take effect from 1 May 2026, was subsequently denied by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
“May 2026 salaries have been paid, but no wage award was given as promised by the Minister of Finance, and consequential adjustments remain outstanding,” the forum stated.
It added that many federal workers had become accustomed to losing promotion arrears, while unpaid salaries and allowances remained unresolved.
The forum listed outstanding obligations to include two months of wage award arrears dating back to July 2024, as well as unpaid Duty Tour Allowance arrears.
The FWF also rejected a recent ₦100,000 minimum wage proposal by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, describing it as a “Greek gift” and a “wicked conspiracy against workers” designed to keep wages artificially low.
The group demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding arrears, the implementation of a living wage for workers, and the introduction of a cost-of-living allowance.
On insecurity, the forum said federal workers now live in fear as kidnappings and attacks continue across the country. It condemned recent abductions involving children and teachers in Oyo and Borno states.
The group called on the leadership of the NLC and TUC to urgently engage the government on addressing insecurity and the worsening hardship faced by workers.
It also urged the Federal Government to deploy every available means, including negotiation, to secure the release of hostages, particularly children reportedly being held captive in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
In addition, the forum called on the National Assembly to legislate for citizens’ right to bear firearms and urged the convocation of a sovereign national conference to address Nigeria’s pressing national challenges.
