ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Federal workers under the Federal Workers Forum have warned of a possible indefinite nationwide strike over worsening insecurity and lingering wage-related grievances, while faulting labour leaders for what they described as a failure to adequately champion workers interests.
In a communiqué issued after an online meeting on Sunday, the forum criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress for not taking decisive action on workers’ welfare and security concerns.
The communiqué, signed by National Coordinator Mr Emelieze and Secretary Mr Ayo Ogundele, accused the Federal Government of neglecting workers’ welfare and failing to ensure their safety, adding that members overwhelmingly supported an immediate strike through an online poll.
The forum argued that the July 2024 minimum wage implementation had fallen short of expectations, claiming that only a flat N40,000 increase was applied across salary grades and subjected to taxation, significantly reducing workers’ take-home pay.
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It further alleged that the proposed 40 per cent peculiar allowance, earlier announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, to commence 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 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 group also listed unpaid obligations, including two months of wage award arrears dating back to July 2024 and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance payments.
Rejecting the Nigerian Governors’ Forum’s N100,000 minimum wage proposal, the forum described it as a “Greek gift” and a “wicked conspiracy against workers,” insisting on a living wage as well as the immediate payment of all arrears and cost-of-living allowances.
On the security situation, the forum said workers across the country now live in constant fear due to increasing cases of kidnappings and attacks, citing recent abductions involving children and teachers in Oyo and Borno states.
The FWF called on the NLC and TUC leadership to urgently engage the government on resolving the twin challenges of economic hardship and insecurity.
It also urged the Federal Government to deploy every available option, including negotiation, to secure the release of hostages, particularly children being held captive in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
The forum further advocated legislation granting Nigerians the right to bear firearms and called for a sovereign national conference to address pressing national issues.