Tension rises in the labour sector as federal workers accuse government of neglect and demand immediate action on wages, arrears, and security challenges.

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has threatened to mobilise federal workers for an indefinite nationwide strike over rising insecurity in the country and unresolved wage issues.

The forum, in a communiqué issued after an online meeting on Saturday, criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for allegedly failing to rise to the occasion and provide the needed leadership on the issues.
In the communiqué signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary, Messrs Andrew Emelieze and Ayo Ogundele respectively, and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday, the forum accused the Federal Government of exploiting workers and failing to guarantee their safety.
The group stated that an online poll conducted among its members showed overwhelming support for immediate strike action to address the hardship and insecurity currently confronting Nigerians.
According to the forum, the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment has turned out to be a hoax for federal workers.
It explained that only N40,000 was added as a flat increase across all grade levels and that the amount was taxed, leaving workers with significantly less.
The group also alleged that 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 denied 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 further listed unpaid entitlements to include two months of wage award arrears dating back to July 2024, as well as outstanding Duty Tour Allowance arrears.
FWF rejected the recent N100,000 minimum wage proposal by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, describing it as a Greek gift intended to keep wages low and calling it a “wicked conspiracy against workers.”
The group demanded a living wage, immediate payment of all outstanding arrears, and the introduction of a cost-of-living allowance.
On insecurity, the forum said federal workers now live daily in fear and uncertainty, with kidnappings and attacks becoming increasingly common.
It specifically condemned the recent kidnappings involving children and teachers in Oyo and Borno States.
The forum therefore directed the leadership of the NLC and TUC to engage the government towards the speedy resolution of the hardship and insecurity facing workers and citizens.
It also urged the Federal Government to deploy all available means, including negotiation, to secure the release of hostages, especially children being held captive in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
The group further called on the National Assembly to enact legislation granting Nigerians the right to bear firearms.
It equally advocated for the convocation of a sovereign national conference to discuss the state of the nation.
(NAN)