Federal workers under the Federal Workers Forum have threatened to begin an indefinite nationwide strike over worsening insecurity, unresolved wage-related issues and unpaid entitlements.
The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after an online meeting held on Sunday.
The forum also criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accusing both labour centres of failing to provide adequate leadership on issues affecting workers.
The communiqué, signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Mr Emelieze, and Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele, stated that an online poll among members showed overwhelming support for immediate industrial action.
According to the workers, the implementation of the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment brought little benefit to federal workers because only ₦40,000 was added across all salary levels and the amount was taxed.
The forum also alleged that a proposed 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 later 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 stated.
The workers further complained about unpaid benefits, including two months of wage award arrears dating back to July 2024, promotion arrears and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance claims.
They also rejected the proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage reportedly being considered by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, describing it as a “Greek gift” and an attempt to keep workers’ earnings low. The forum instead demanded a living wage, payment of all outstanding arrears and a cost-of-living allowance.
The group also raised concerns over the growing insecurity across the country, saying many federal workers now live in fear because of kidnappings and violent attacks.
The workers cited recent abductions involving children and teachers in Oyo and Borno states and called on the NLC and TUC to urgently engage the Federal Government on insecurity and economic hardship.
They also urged the government to use all lawful means, including negotiations, to secure the release of hostages, especially abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
In addition, the forum called on the National Assembly to consider legislation on civilian firearm ownership and demanded the convocation of a sovereign national conference to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has also rejected the ₦100,000 minimum wage proposal being considered by governors, insisting that a realistic living wage should be much higher under current economic conditions.
NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, made the position known during an interview on Sunday.
His reaction followed comments by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who disclosed that governors were considering a new national minimum wage of ₦100,000.
AbdulRazaq made the disclosure during a Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. He said discussions were ongoing between governors, the Federal Government and organised labour to reach a wage structure that would support workers while remaining financially sustainable.
According to the governor, the proposal was informed by rising inflation, increasing living costs and the growing financial pressure on Nigerian workers.
Reacting, Upah welcomed the idea of reviewing workers’ wages but said the proposed amount was inadequate.
“We consider it thoughtful of the Kwara State Governor for proposing this, but certainly, N100,000 falls far below or behind the realistic figure,” he said.
Upah argued that inflation, the depreciation of the naira, rising electricity tariffs, higher petrol prices and declining purchasing power had significantly increased the cost of living.
“Given the realities around the exchange rate, inflation, raised tariffs, surge in the pump price of petrol and associated costs, decline in the purchasing power of the average worker, effects of the new regime of taxes on our cost of living, the realistic figure, subject to status quo maintenance, would be ₦1m,” he stated.
He also maintained that government revenues had improved and should make better wages possible.
He further stated, “In light of the earnings by governments, this should not be a big issue.
“Check what is being shared at FAAC. The windfall from the Middle East war has put over N5tn in the treasury. Though this is temporary, it is nonetheless very good for governments.”
Upah stressed the importance of workers to national development.
“Finally, please note that the greatest asset of any nation is its workforce,” he said.
The debate over wages has intensified as Nigerians continue to face economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.
The Federal Government approved a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 in July 2024 after lengthy negotiations with organised labour. The new wage replaced the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage that was signed into law in 2019.
However, labour leaders have continued to argue that the current wage is no longer sufficient because of persistent inflation and the rising cost of living.
