The Federal Workers Forum has threatened to mobilise federal civil servants across the country for an indefinite nationwide strike over worsening insecurity, economic hardship and unresolved wage-related issues affecting workers.
The forum, in a communiqué issued after an online meeting held on Sunday, expressed deep frustration over what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to protect workers and improve their welfare amid rising inflation and growing insecurity across Nigeria.
The communiqué, jointly signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Mr Emelieze, and Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele, accused the government of neglecting federal workers while subjecting them to severe economic hardship.
The group also criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, accusing both labour centres of failing to provide strong leadership and decisive action in defence of Nigerian workers.
According to the forum, organised labour had not demonstrated enough commitment in confronting issues affecting workers, particularly insecurity and the implementation of wage agreements reached with the government.
The workers’ body said members were increasingly becoming frustrated over what it termed empty promises and unfulfilled commitments by relevant authorities.
It disclosed that an online poll conducted among federal workers showed overwhelming support for an immediate nationwide strike to compel the government to address the prevailing hardship and insecurity in the country.
The forum noted that workers across different ministries, departments and agencies were struggling to survive due to the rising cost of living, while insecurity had made life more dangerous for many public servants.
According to the communiqué, many workers now travel to work in fear because of kidnappings, banditry, armed robbery and violent attacks occurring in different parts of the country.
The group lamented that despite repeated complaints by workers, there had been little visible improvement in security conditions nationwide.
The forum further alleged that the implementation of the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment had failed to bring meaningful relief to federal workers.
It described the wage increase as deceptive, claiming that only a flat sum of N40,000 was added to salaries across all grade levels regardless of rank or responsibilities.
According to the group, the addition was heavily taxed, leaving many workers with far less than expected after deductions.
The forum argued that the adjustment did not reflect the economic realities facing workers, especially amid soaring food prices, transportation costs and inflation.
It added that many civil servants had expected a more comprehensive salary structure review rather than what it described as a temporary and inadequate intervention.
The workers’ body also raised concerns over the controversial 40 per cent peculiar allowance earlier announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack.
According to the forum, federal workers were informed that the allowance would take effect from May 1, 2026, raising hopes among workers already grappling with financial difficulties.
However, the group alleged that the Office of the Accountant-General later distanced itself from the implementation of the allowance, creating confusion and disappointment among workers.
The forum described the situation as unfair and insensitive, accusing government officials of making promises without proper coordination or intention to fulfil them.
It warned that continued delay in addressing workers’ concerns could trigger widespread industrial unrest across federal establishments nationwide.
The communiqué stated that workers had remained patient despite the harsh economic situation, but warned that such patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
The forum maintained that unless urgent steps were taken to address insecurity and wage-related grievances, federal workers might have no option but to shut down government activities through a nationwide strike.
It also called on labour unions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support workers in demanding accountability and better welfare conditions from the government.
The latest threat of industrial action comes amid growing concerns over the economic situation in the country, with many Nigerians facing rising living costs and declining purchasing power.
Analysts say a nationwide strike by federal workers could significantly disrupt activities in ministries, government agencies, hospitals, schools and other public institutions across the country.
As pressure mounts, attention is expected to shift to the Federal Government and organised labour over possible negotiations aimed at preventing a major shutdown of public services.
For many workers, however, the issue goes beyond salaries alone, as concerns over insecurity, welfare and trust in government promises continue to dominate discussions within the civil service.
