Forum Warns of Nationwide Strike Over Job Insecurity and Low Wages

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has warned that it will mobilise federal employees for an indefinite nationwide strike to protest rising insecurity and unresolved wage issues.

In a communique released after an online meeting on Saturday, the forum criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress for failing to provide leadership on the matter.

Signed by National Coordinator Andrew Emelieze and Secretary Ayo Ogundele, the communique was made available to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday. It accused the federal government of exploiting workers and not ensuring their safety.

The forum said that an online poll of its members overwhelmingly supported immediate strike action to address the hardship and insecurity crisis facing Nigeria.

It also declared the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment a hoax for federal workers, noting that only a flat N40,000 was added to salaries across all grade levels and that this amount was taxed, leaving workers with less pay.

The group alleged that the promised 40 per cent peculiar allowance, which Head of Service 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,” the communique stated.

“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’,” it added.

The communique listed unpaid entitlements, including two months of wage award arrears since July 2024 and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance arrears.

The forum rejected a recent N100,000 minimum wage proposal by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, calling it a Greek gift designed to keep wages low and describing it as a “wicked conspiracy against workers.”

It demanded a living wage, immediate clearance of all outstanding arrears, and a cost‑of‑living allowance.

Regarding insecurity, the FWF said federal workers now live daily in fear, with kidnappings and attacks becoming routine. It specifically condemned recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno States involving children and teachers.

The forum directed the leadership of the NLC and TUC to engage the government for a speedy resolution of the hardship and insecurity.

It also demanded that the federal government use all means, including negotiation, to free hostages, especially children in captivity in Oyo State and other parts of the country.

Additionally, the forum called on the National Assembly to legislate the right of Nigerians to bear firearms.

The forum urged the convocation of a sovereign national conference to discuss the state of the nation.

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