The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has warned that it may embark on an indefinite nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to address growing insecurity and unresolved welfare issues affecting workers.
The threat was contained in a communiqué issued after an online meeting held on Saturday. The statement, signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Emelieze, and Secretary, Ayo Ogundele, criticised both the government and organised labour for what it described as inadequate responses to workers’ concerns.
According to the forum, members overwhelmingly supported immediate industrial action during an internal online poll, citing worsening economic hardship and persistent security challenges across the country.
The group accused the Federal Government of neglecting workers’ welfare and failing to provide adequate protection for citizens. It also criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), alleging that both organisations had not provided sufficient leadership in addressing workers’ grievances.
The forum argued that the implementation of the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment had fallen short of expectations. It claimed that workers only received a flat addition of ₦40,000 across all salary grades, while deductions further reduced the actual benefit received.
FWF also expressed disappointment over the non-implementation of the proposed 40 per cent peculiar allowance. According to the forum, workers were informed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, that the allowance would take effect from May 1, 2026, but the Office of the Accountant-General later distanced itself from the arrangement.
The forum further noted that May 2026 salaries were paid without the wage award earlier promised by the Minister of Finance. It also complained that consequential salary adjustments and several outstanding arrears remain unpaid.
Among the unresolved issues highlighted by the group are promotion arrears, unpaid wage award balances dating back to July 2024, and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) claims.
Rejecting a recent proposal by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for a ₦100,000 minimum wage, the workers described the offer as inadequate and incapable of addressing the current cost-of-living crisis. They insisted that workers deserve a realistic living wage alongside the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements and allowances.
On the issue of insecurity, the forum stated that many federal workers now live under constant fear due to frequent cases of kidnapping, violent attacks, and other security threats. It specifically referenced recent abductions involving teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State, as well as incidents in Borno State.
The group called on the NLC and TUC to engage the Federal Government urgently to secure lasting solutions to both the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.
It also urged the government to explore all available options, including negotiations where necessary, to secure the release of hostages, particularly children currently being held captive in different parts of the country.
In addition, the forum called on the National Assembly to consider legislation that would permit law-abiding citizens to legally possess firearms for self-defence.
The workers further advocated for the convening of a sovereign national conference to deliberate on the country’s political, economic, and security challenges and chart a way forward.
The forum maintained that unless decisive action is taken to address these concerns, federal workers may proceed with a nationwide strike in the coming weeks.
