The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recent wage increase, raising concerns about the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, which includes only an additional ₦40,000 for federal workers across Nigeria.
In a statement released after a virtual meeting, the Forum criticized the worsening living conditions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The statement, signed by FWF National Coordinator Comrade Andrew Emelieze, called on the President to halt policies that are inflicting suffering on Nigerians, noting that many are battling hunger and considering extreme measures such as suicide.
The communique was forwarded to key government officials, including the Senate President, Chief Justice of the Federation, and other high-ranking figures, as well as labor groups like the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC).
Emelieze, a former chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State, stated that the ₦70,000 minimum wage falls short of meeting the needs of workers, especially in light of the escalating cost of living.
He said: “Mr. President, the situation is dire. Nigerians are struggling to survive. The tough policies you’ve implemented have brought immense hardship. Many people are now beggars, and daily survival has become a challenge since the removal of the fuel subsidy.”
According to Emelieze, the additional ₦40,000 added to workers’ salaries does little to offset the steep rise in fuel prices, which have increased by over 600%. He argued that the federal government is treating workers unfairly by offering inadequate wage adjustments, even as some states have promised higher pay.
The Forum also criticized the tripartite committee set up to review the new minimum wage, describing its work as ineffective. Emelieze emphasized that the ₦70,000 figure is not a living wage and urged the President to address the workers’ grievances.
“We feel cheated,” he said. “The government is exploiting vulnerable workers. How can fuel prices rise so drastically while we get only ₦40,000 added to our paychecks? This feels like fraud.”
Emelieze further argued that the federal workers’ morale is at an all-time low as they struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living. Many have taken out loans to make ends meet, and the Forum demanded immediate intervention from the President to alleviate their suffering.
The FWF also highlighted other unresolved issues, including promotion arrears, Duty Tour Allowances (DTA), and unpaid increments. They called for a 30% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for federal workers until the economic situation improves, and for salary transparency on payslips, among other demands.
The Forum also urged the government to reopen borders to allow the importation of food, which could help lower prices in the market. They insisted that the federal government must act swiftly to clear wage arrears and provide financial relief to federal workers, warning that if no action is taken within 14 days, they would be forced to protest.
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