Federal workers under the umbrella of the Federal Workers Forum have threatened to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike, citing worsening insecurity and unresolved salary-related issues affecting workers across the country.
The threat followed an online meeting of the forum held on Sunday, where members expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of workers’ welfare and the nation’s security challenges.
In a communiqué signed by the National Coordinator of the forum, Mr Emelieze, and its Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele, the group criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, accusing both labour centres of failing to provide the leadership needed at a critical time for Nigerian workers.
According to the forum, the Federal Government has continued to place heavy burdens on workers while failing to adequately protect lives and address growing economic hardship.
The group said the outcome of an online poll conducted among its members showed overwhelming support for an immediate industrial action to draw attention to the prevailing hardship and insecurity facing Nigerians.
The forum also faulted the implementation of the new minimum wage introduced in July 2024, describing it as deceptive and inadequate for federal workers.
It claimed that rather than a proper salary review, only a flat addition of N40,000 was made across all salary grades, with deductions further reducing what workers eventually received.
The workers also raised concerns over the non-implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance earlier announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, which was expected to take effect from May 1, 2026.
According to the communiqué, the allowance was later disowned by the Office of the Accountant-General, creating uncertainty among workers.
“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 complained about several outstanding entitlements, including two months of wage award arrears dating back to July 2024 and unpaid Duty Tour Allowance arrears.
It also rejected the recent proposal by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for a N100,000 minimum wage, describing it as a “Greek gift” and a deliberate attempt to suppress workers’ earnings.
The group characterised the proposal as a “wicked conspiracy against workers” and insisted that employees deserve a living wage capable of meeting present economic realities.
The forum called for the immediate payment of all outstanding arrears and the introduction of a cost-of-living allowance to cushion the impact of inflation and rising living costs.
On the security situation, the workers said many civil servants now live in constant fear as cases of kidnappings, attacks and violent crimes continue to increase across the country.
The forum specifically condemned recent abductions involving teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as deeply disturbing.
Consequently, it directed the leadership of the NLC and TUC to urgently engage the government in resolving the twin challenges of insecurity and economic hardship confronting workers.