The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has threatened to mobilise federal workers across the country for an indefinite nationwide strike over worsening insecurity and unresolved wage-related issues.
The forum, in a communiqué issued after an online meeting on Sunday, criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accusing both labour centres of failing to provide the leadership expected of them amid growing hardship faced by workers.
In the communiqué signed by National Coordinator, Mr Emelieze, and Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele, the forum accused the Federal Government of neglecting workers’ welfare and failing to ensure their safety.
According to the group, an online poll conducted among members showed overwhelming support for immediate industrial action to address the country’s economic hardship and security challenges.
The forum described the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment as disappointing, alleging that only a flat addition of N40,000 was made across salary structures and subjected to taxation, reducing its actual impact on workers’ earnings.
It also alleged that the promised 40 per cent peculiar allowance, earlier announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, to take effect from May 1, 2026, was later disowned by the Office of the Accountant-General.
“May 2026 salaries have been paid, but no wage award was implemented as promised by the Minister of Finance, while consequential adjustments remain unresolved,” the communiqué stated.
The forum lamented that workers had become accustomed to losing promotion arrears and other outstanding benefits, claiming that several salary components and allowances had remained unpaid.
Among the unpaid entitlements listed by the group are two months of wage award arrears dating back to July 2024 and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance payments.
The FWF also rejected the proposed N100,000 minimum wage reportedly suggested by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, describing it as inadequate and a deliberate attempt to suppress workers’ earnings.
It demanded the introduction of a living wage, immediate payment of outstanding arrears and the provision of cost-of-living support.
On security concerns, the forum said many workers now live in fear due to persistent kidnappings and attacks across parts of the country.
The group specifically condemned recent abductions in Oyo and Borno states involving schoolchildren and teachers, calling on government authorities to intensify efforts toward securing their release.
The forum further urged the leadership of the NLC and TUC to engage the Federal Government on urgent solutions to economic hardship and insecurity.
It also called on the National Assembly to consider legislation that would guarantee citizens’ rights to self-defence through lawful firearm ownership and advocated for a sovereign national conference to address the country’s challenges.
