…Reject ₦100,000 proposal
The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has rejected a proposed increase of the national minimum wage from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000, describing the offer as a “Greek gift” and threatening to mobilise federal workers for an indefinite nationwide strike over worsening economic hardship and insecurity.
The workers’ body also criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accusing both labour centres of failing to provide effective leadership on issues affecting workers.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting and opinion poll conducted by the Forum over the weekend. The communiqué, signed by the National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, National Secretary, Ayo Ogundele, and National Mobilisation Officer, Aminu Yerima, reflected what the group described as overwhelming support among members for immediate industrial action.
The FWF said the proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage, reportedly canvassed by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, falls far short of what can be considered a living wage in the face of rising inflation, escalating living costs, fuel subsidy removal and the continued depreciation of the Naira.
According to the forum, the same governors who previously argued that they could not afford the ₦70,000 minimum wage are now proposing ₦100,000, a move it described as hypocritical and disconnected from current economic realities. “The ₦100,000 proposal is not a living wage. We condemn and reject this proposal in all its forms and entirety”, the forum stated, urging the government to follow due process in negotiating a wage structure that adequately reflects prevailing economic conditions.
The workers further complained that the implementation of the current ₦70,000 minimum wage has failed to improve workers’ welfare. They alleged that only ₦40,000 was added uniformly across salary grades and that tax deductions significantly reduced the actual benefit received by workers.
The Forum also accused the government of failing to fulfil several promises, including the payment of wage award arrears, promotion arrears, Duty Tour Allowances and the implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance reportedly announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, for commencement in May 2026. According to the group, May salaries were paid without the promised wage award, while consequential salary adjustments and several outstanding entitlements remain unresolved.
Beyond wage-related grievances, the FWF expressed alarm over the deteriorating security situation across the country, saying many workers now live in fear of kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes. The Forum cited recent abductions involving schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the country, warning that the government was failing in its constitutional responsibility to guarantee the security and welfare of citizens.
The workers called on the NLC and TUC to immediately declare an indefinite nationwide strike and organise mass protests to compel government action on insecurity and economic hardship. In addition, the Forum urged the Federal Government to settle all outstanding workers’ arrears, introduce a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA), intensify efforts to secure the release of kidnapped persons and halt the wave of killings across the country.
The Forum issued a 30-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address insecurity, kidnappings, killings and worsening economic conditions, warning that continued inaction could trigger widespread public discontent and industrial unrest.
