The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has rejected the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage, describing it as inadequate and incapable of addressing the harsh economic realities confronting Nigerian workers.
In a communiqué issued on Sunday following a meeting and opinion poll held on Saturday, the forum said federal workers across the country were facing worsening living conditions, poor wages, unpaid entitlements and growing insecurity despite repeated government assurances on workers’ welfare.
The communiqué, jointly signed by the National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, National Secretary, Ayo Ogundele, and National Mobilisation Officer, Aminu Yerima, stated that the implementation of the current N70,000 minimum wage had failed to meet workers’ expectations or significantly improve their purchasing power.
According to the forum, only a uniform N40,000 increase was added to salaries across grade levels, while deductions further reduced the benefits received by workers. It also expressed concern over the non-payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, outstanding wage award arrears, promotion arrears, Duty Tour Allowances and other accrued entitlements.
The workers’ body said inflation, rising living costs, fuel subsidy removal and the depreciation of the naira had compounded the economic hardship faced by workers nationwide.
Rejecting the proposed N100,000 minimum wage reportedly being canvassed by some state governors, the forum described the offer as a “Greek gift” and argued that it did not qualify as a living wage under current economic conditions.
The forum criticised governors who previously claimed they could not afford the N70,000 minimum wage, questioning the sincerity of the new proposal and insisting that any wage review must reflect prevailing economic realities and follow due process.
On insecurity, the forum lamented the increasing cases of kidnappings, killings and violent attacks across the country, noting that schools had become frequent targets while many victims, including children, remained in captivity.
It called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the security crisis, secure the release of abducted persons and end the wave of killings nationwide.
The forum also urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike over worsening hardship and insecurity. It further declared support for planned nationwide protests and rallies beginning June 1 if conditions fail to improve.
Among its demands, the forum called on the government to settle all outstanding workers’ arrears, introduce a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and convene a sovereign national conference to address constitutional and governance issues.
The group also issued a 30-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu to tackle insecurity, kidnappings, killings and economic hardship, warning that continued inaction could further heighten public dissatisfaction and erode confidence in government.