The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has threatened to mobilise federal civil servants for an indefinite nationwide strike over worsening insecurity and unresolved salary-related issues affecting workers across the country.
The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after the forum’s online meeting held on Sunday.
The statement, signed by the National Coordinator, Mr Emelieze, and Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele, accused the Federal Government of neglecting workers' welfare and failing to adequately address the growing security challenges facing Nigerians.
The forum also criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accusing both labour centres of failing to provide effective leadership on issues affecting workers.
According to the forum, the outcome of an online poll conducted among its members showed overwhelming support for an immediate nationwide strike to protest the rising cost of living, insecurity, and unresolved wage matters.
The group described the implementation of the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment as disappointing, alleging that workers only received a flat increase of N40,000 across all grade levels, with deductions further reducing the actual amount received.
It also expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to implement the proposed 40 per cent peculiar allowance, which had earlier been announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, as taking effect from May 1, 2026.
According to the forum, the Office of the Accountant-General later distanced itself from the announcement, leaving workers uncertain about the payment.
The workers further lamented that despite assurances from the Federal Government, the May 2026 salaries were paid without the promised wage award or consequential salary adjustments.
“Federal workers are gradually becoming accustomed to losing their promotion arrears. In some cases, salaries and other outstanding benefits have virtually disappeared without explanation,” the communiqué stated.
The forum listed several outstanding obligations owed to workers, including two months of unpaid wage award arrears dating back to July 2024, promotion arrears, and unpaid Duty Tour Allowances.
The FWF also rejected a recent proposal by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum advocating a N100,000 minimum wage, describing it as inadequate and a deliberate attempt to suppress workers’ earnings.
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The group insisted that Nigerian workers deserve a realistic living wage capable of meeting current economic realities and called for the immediate payment of all outstanding arrears and cost-of-living allowances.
On the issue of security, the forum said many workers now live in constant fear due to the increasing incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks across the country.
It specifically condemned the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and attacks recorded in parts of Borno State.
The forum urged the NLC and TUC to immediately engage the Federal Government on the twin issues of insecurity and workers’ welfare to prevent a nationwide industrial action.
It also called on the Federal Government to explore all available options, including negotiations where necessary, to secure the release of abducted Nigerians, particularly schoolchildren currently held captive in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
In addition, the forum advocated legislation that would grant Nigerians the right to bear firearms for self-defence and called for the convocation of a sovereign national conference to address the country's growing political, economic, and security challenges.
The group warned that failure to address the issues raised could result in a nationwide strike that would significantly affect public services across the country.
