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 issued after an online meeting on Sunday, the forum criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for what it described as a failure to provide leadership on the issues.
The communiqué, signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Mr Emelieze, and Secretary, Ayo Ogundele, accused the Federal Government of exploiting workers and failing to guarantee their safety.
According to the forum, an online poll of its members overwhelmingly supported an immediate strike to address the hardship and insecurity crisis in the country.
The group described the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment as inadequate, stating that only N40,000 was added across all grade levels and that the amount was taxed, reducing its impact on workers.
It also alleged that the proposed 40 per cent peculiar allowance, earlier announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, to take effect from May 1, 2026, was later denied by the Office of the Accountant-General.
The communiqué stated: “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 forum further listed unpaid entitlements, including two months of wage award arrears since July 2024 and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance arrears.
It rejected a N100,000 minimum wage proposal by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, describing it as a “Greek gift” and a “wicked conspiracy against workers.”
The group demanded a living wage and immediate payment of all outstanding arrears and cost-of-living allowances.
On insecurity, the forum said workers now live in constant fear due to frequent kidnappings and attacks nationwide.
It specifically condemned recent abductions in Oyo and Borno states involving schoolchildren and teachers.
The forum called on the NLC and TUC leadership to urgently engage the government to resolve both economic hardship and insecurity.
It also urged the Federal Government to deploy all necessary measures, including negotiation, to secure the release of hostages, especially children held in captivity.
Additionally, the forum called on the National Assembly to legislate citizens’ right to bear firearms and advocated for the convocation of a sovereign national conference to address the country’s challenges.
