Workers Threaten Indefinite Strike Over Wages, Insecurity

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has threatened to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved wage concerns and worsening insecurity across Nigeria, warning that federal workers may be forced to withdraw their services if urgent action is not taken.

The forum issued the warning in a communiqué released after an online meeting held on Sunday, where members also criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accusing them of failing to adequately defend workers’ interests.

Signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Emelieze, and Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele, the group alleged that the Federal Government has continued to exploit workers while failing to guarantee their safety amid rising insecurity nationwide.

According to the forum, an internal online poll showed overwhelming support among members for immediate strike action in response to economic hardship, unpaid entitlements, and escalating insecurity.

The FWF claimed that the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment has not translated into meaningful relief for federal workers, alleging that only a flat ₦40,000 increment was added across all salary levels and was later taxed, significantly reducing its impact.

It further alleged that the promised 40 per cent peculiar allowance, earlier announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, to take effect from May 1, 2026, was later disowned by the Office of the Accountant-General.

The group stated that several entitlements remain unpaid, including wage award arrears, promotion arrears, and duty tour allowance backlogs, adding that “numerous salaries and arrears have entered voice mail,” reflecting what it described as systemic neglect.

The forum also rejected a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage suggestion by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, describing it as inadequate and a “Greek gift” designed to suppress workers’ earnings.

On insecurity, the FWF said federal workers are increasingly exposed to danger, citing recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno States involving schoolchildren, teachers, and residents as evidence of worsening national safety conditions.

It demanded immediate intervention from government authorities to secure the release of all abducted persons, particularly children still in captivity, while urging stronger national security measures.

The group called on the NLC and TUC to urgently engage the Federal Government to resolve outstanding wage issues and insecurity concerns, warning that failure to act could trigger nationwide industrial action.

It also urged the National Assembly to consider legislation allowing citizens to bear arms for self-defence and called for a sovereign national conference to address Nigeria’s structural challenges.