The Federal Workers Forum has threatened to mobilise federal workers for an indefinite nationwide strike, citing rising insecurity and a series of unresolved wage disputes it says labour leaders have failed to address.
The threat was contained in a communiqué issued following an online meeting of the forum on Sunday. The document was signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Mr Emelieze, and Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele.
In the communiqué, the forum took direct aim at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accusing both organisations of abdicating their responsibility to workers. An online poll conducted among members, the forum said, showed overwhelming support for immediate industrial action.
Wage Promises Unmet
At the heart of the workers’ grievances is what they describe as the failure of the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment to deliver any real relief. According to the forum, only ₦40,000 was added uniformly across salary levels — and even that addition was subjected to taxation.
The group also alleged that a 40 per cent peculiar allowance announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, for implementation from May 1, 2026, was subsequently rejected 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,” the communiqué read.
The forum listed additional outstanding entitlements, including two months of wage award arrears dating to July 2024, promotion arrears, and unpaid Duty Tour Allowance claims — some of which, it said, have gone unresolved for years.
The group also rejected a reported ₦100,000 minimum wage proposal backed by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, dismissing it as a “Greek gift” designed to suppress workers’ earnings. It demanded a living wage, full payment of all arrears, and a cost-of-living allowance.
Insecurity Compounds Workers’ Frustration
Beyond wages, the forum raised alarm over deteriorating security conditions across the country, stating that many federal workers now live in fear of kidnappings and violent attacks. It specifically referenced recent abductions involving children and teachers in Oyo and Borno states.
The forum urged the NLC and TUC to immediately engage the Federal Government on both insecurity and economic hardship, and called on authorities to pursue all lawful means — including negotiations — to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
In broader demands, the forum called on the National Assembly to consider legislation on civilian firearm ownership and pressed for the convocation of a sovereign national conference to address the country’s mounting challenges.
