Federal Workers Threaten Indefinite Nationwide Strike Over Insecurity, Unpaid Wage Arrears

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has threatened to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike, citing worsening insecurity, unpaid entitlements, and unresolved wage-related issues affecting federal civil servants across the country.

The threat was contained in a communiqué issued after the forum’s online meeting held on Sunday, where members expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of workers’ welfare and security concerns.

In the communiqué signed by the National Coordinator, Mr. Emelieze, and the Secretary, Mr. Ayo Ogundele, the forum accused the government of neglecting workers while failing to guarantee their safety amid rising cases of kidnappings and violent attacks nationwide.

The group also criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), alleging that both labour centres had failed to provide adequate leadership and effectively defend workers’ interests.

According to the forum, an online poll conducted among its members showed overwhelming support for an immediate industrial action to compel the government to address the economic hardship and security challenges confronting Nigerians.

The FWF described the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment as deceptive, claiming that only a flat N40,000 increase was added across all salary grade levels and subsequently subjected to taxation, significantly reducing the actual benefit to workers.

The forum further alleged that the proposed 40 percent peculiar allowance, earlier announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, to commence on May 1, 2026, was later disowned by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

It lamented that the May 2026 salaries were paid without the promised wage award announced by the Minister of Finance, while consequential salary 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 communiqué stated.

The forum listed outstanding entitlements owed to workers to include two months of wage award arrears dating back to July 2024, unpaid promotion arrears, and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) claims.

Rejecting the recent N100,000 minimum wage proposal by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the group described the offer as a “Greek gift” and a deliberate attempt to suppress workers’ earnings.

The forum demanded the payment of a living wage, immediate settlement of all outstanding arrears, and the introduction of a cost-of-living allowance to cushion the impact of economic hardship.

On the security situation, the FWF said many federal workers now live in fear due to the increasing rate of kidnappings and attacks across the country.

The group specifically condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all hostages, particularly children still being held captive.

The forum also directed the NLC and TUC leadership to engage the government urgently to resolve both the security and economic challenges facing workers and citizens.

Additionally, it called on the National Assembly to consider legislation granting Nigerians the right to bear firearms for self-defence and advocated the convening of a sovereign national conference to address critical national issues.