By DAVID ADEOYE

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has threatened to mobilise federal workers for an indefinite nationwide strike over rising insecurity in the country and unresolved wage issues.

The forum in a communique issued after an online meeting on Saturday, upbraided the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress for not rising to the occasion and showing leadership in this respect.

In the communique signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary, Messrs Andrew Emelieze, and Ayo Ogundele respectively, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Sunday, the forum accused the federal government of exploiting workers and failing to guarantee their safety.

The group said that an online poll of its members overwhelmingly backed immediate strike action to address the current hardship and insecurity crisis confronting Nigeria.

It said that the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment has been a hoax for federal workers.

According to the forum, only N40,000 was added flat to salaries across all grade levels, and that amount was taxed, leaving workers with much less.

The group also alleged that the promised 40 per cent peculiar allowance, which the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, said would take effect from May 1, 2026, was later denounced by the Office of the Accountant General.

“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 communique stated.

It further listed unpaid entitlements to include: two months of wage award arrears since July 2024 and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance arrears.

The forum rejected a recent N100,000 minimum wage proposal by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, calling it a Greek gift meant to keep wages low describing it as “wicked conspiracy against workers.”

It demanded a living wage and immediate clearance of all outstanding arrears, and cost of living allowance.

On insecurity, FWF said that federal workers now live daily in fear and uncertainty, with kidnappings and attacks becoming routine.

It specifically condemned recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno States involving children and teachers.

The forum therefore mandated the leadership of NLC) and TUC to engage the government with a view for speedy resolution of the hardship and insecurity.

It also demanded that the federal government use all means, including negotiation, to free hostages, especially children in captivity in Oyo State and other parts of the country.

It equally called on the National Assembly to legislate the right of Nigerians to bear firearms.

The forum urged the convocation of a sovereign national conference to discuss the state of the nation. (NAN)

• File photo of Workers protesting non-payment of salary arrears at Etsako West Local Government Council. | Credit: Adeyinka Adedipe

Update news