The Federal Workers Forum has issued a strong warning of a possible nationwide indefinite strike, citing worsening insecurity and unresolved wage-related issues affecting federal employees across the country.
The group made this known in a communiqué released after an online meeting held on Saturday. It criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accusing them of failing to take decisive action on the challenges facing workers.
Signed by the national coordinator and secretary, Messrs Emelieze and Ayo Ogundele, and released in Ibadan on Sunday, the forum also accused the Federal Government of neglecting workers’ welfare and exposing them to economic hardship and insecurity.
According to the group, a recent online poll among its members showed overwhelming support for immediate industrial action to address the worsening economic conditions and security crisis in the country.
It described the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment as misleading, alleging that only a flat increment of N40,000 was added across all salary levels and that the amount was further subjected to taxation, leaving workers with little real benefit.
The forum also raised concerns over the alleged non-implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance earlier announced to take effect from May 1, 2026, claiming that it was later denied by the Office of the Accountant-General.
It further stated that May 2026 salaries were paid without the expected wage award, while consequential salary adjustments remain outstanding.
“Federal workers are already getting used to forfeiting their promotion arrears, and in many cases, salaries and several arrears have become uncertain,” the communiqué stated.
The group listed several outstanding payments, including two months of wage award arrears dating back to July 2024, as well as unpaid Duty Tour Allowances.
Rejecting the proposed N100,000 minimum wage by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the forum described it as inadequate and misleading, calling it a “Greek gift” and accusing it of being part of a broader plan to suppress workers’ earnings.
It demanded the immediate implementation of a living wage, alongside the payment of all outstanding allowances, arrears, and cost-of-living adjustments.
On security, the forum expressed concern over what it described as the growing danger faced by workers nationwide, saying kidnappings and violent attacks have become frequent and deeply troubling.
It specifically condemned recent abductions in parts of Oyo and Borno States, involving schoolchildren and teachers.
The group called on the leadership of the NLC and TUC to urgently engage the Federal Government to resolve both wage and insecurity issues.
It also urged government authorities to take all necessary measures to secure the release of abducted persons, particularly children still in captivity.
In addition, the forum appealed to the National Assembly to consider legislation allowing Nigerians the right to bear arms, and called for the convening of a sovereign national conference to address the country’s broader challenges.