The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has threatened to mobilise federal workers for an indefinite nationwide strike over rising insecurity and unresolved wage issues.
In a communiqué after an online meeting on Sunday — signed by National Coordinator Mr Emelieze and Secretary Mr Ayo Ogundele — the forum upbraided the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress for “not rising to the occasion” and providing leadership. It also accused the Federal Government of exploiting workers and failing to guarantee their safety.
An online poll of members, the forum said, overwhelmingly backed an immediate strike.
The FWF called the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment a hoax. It said only N40,000 was added flat across all grade levels and that the amount was taxed, leaving workers with much less. It also alleged the promised 40 per cent peculiar allowance — which the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, said would take effect from May 1, 2026 — was later denounced by the Office of the Accountant-General.
“May 2026 salaries have been paid, but no wage award was given as promised by the Minister of Finance, and consequential adjustments remain outstanding.
“Federal workers are already getting used to forfeiting their promotion arrears and, as a matter of fact, some salaries and numerous arrears have entered ‘voice mail’,” the communiqué stated.
The forum listed unpaid entitlements, including two months of wage award arrears since July 2024 and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance arrears. It rejected a recent N100,000 minimum wage proposal by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum as a “Greek gift” and a “wicked conspiracy against workers.”
It demanded a living wage, immediate clearance of all arrears and a cost-of-living allowance. On insecurity, the FWF said federal workers live in fear, condemning recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno involving children and teachers. It mandated the NLC and TUC to engage government, urged the use of all means to free hostages — especially children in Oyo — called on the National Assembly to legislate the right to bear firearms, and urged a sovereign national conference.
