The Federal Workers Forum has warned of a possible indefinite nationwide strike, accusing major labour centres of failing to properly represent workers amid rising insecurity and unresolved wage issues.
The warning followed an online meeting held on Sunday, where the forum said members overwhelmingly supported industrial action, according to The PUNCH.
In a communiqué signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Emelieze, and Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele, the group criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), alleging they have not taken decisive steps on key welfare concerns affecting federal workers.
The forum argued that the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment has not translated into real relief, claiming that only a flat ₦40,000 increment was added across salary grades and that it was also taxed, reducing its impact.
It further faulted the federal government over a proposed 40 per cent peculiar allowance announced by the Head of the Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, which it said was later rejected by the Office of the Accountant-General, creating further uncertainty for workers.
According to the group, salaries for May 2026 have been paid without the expected wage award, while consequential salary adjustments remain outstanding despite earlier promises from the Ministry of Finance.
The forum also listed several unresolved entitlements, including two months of unpaid wage award arrears dating back to July 2024, promotion arrears, and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance claims.
It described the backlog of payments as long-standing and unacceptable.
Rejecting a reported ₦100,000 minimum wage proposal backed by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the workers’ group dismissed it as a “Greek gift,” insisting instead on a living wage that reflects current economic realities, alongside full payment of arrears and a cost-of-living allowance.
Beyond salary concerns, the forum raised alarm over worsening insecurity across the country, saying federal workers are increasingly exposed to fear due to kidnappings and violent attacks.
It cited recent abductions of pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno States as examples of the growing threat.
The group called on the NLC and TUC to urgently engage the Federal Government on both security challenges and worsening economic hardship.
It also urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted victims, especially schoolchildren and teachers.
In addition, the forum called on the National Assembly to consider laws allowing civilian firearm ownership and urged the convocation of a sovereign national conference to address Nigeria’s broader structural challenges.
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