Federal Workers Reject N100,000 Minimum Wage Proposal, Call It “Inadequate”
The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has rejected the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage, describing it as insufficient and incapable of addressing the harsh economic realities currently facing Nigerian workers.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued on Sunday after a meeting and opinion poll held on Saturday to discuss rising hardship and insecurity across the country.
The communiqué was signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Mr Andrew Emelieze; National Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele; and National Mobilisation Officer, Mr Aminu Yerima.
According to the forum, federal workers are currently struggling with poor wages, unpaid entitlements, and worsening living conditions, despite repeated government promises to improve welfare.
It argued that the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage has not brought meaningful relief, saying it has failed to improve workers’ purchasing power in the face of inflation and rising cost of living.
The group also alleged that the wage adjustment translated to only about N40,000 increase across salary levels, with deductions further reducing what workers actually receive.
They further expressed concern over unpaid allowances, including promotion arrears, wage awards, duty tour allowances, and other long-standing entitlements.
“Federal workers nationwide are living daily in fear and uncertainty. We are constantly confronted with the challenges of survival and safety,” the communiqué stated.
On the proposed N100,000 minimum wage reportedly being considered by some state governors, the forum dismissed it as unrealistic and unfair, describing it as a “Greek gift.”
“To us, this is the height of hypocrisy. These same governors who said they could not afford N70,000 are now proposing N100,000,” it said.
The forum insisted that the amount falls far below a realistic living wage under current economic conditions.
“The N100,000 proposal is not a living wage. We condemn and reject this proposal in all its forms and entirety,” it added.
Beyond wages, the workers also raised alarm over worsening insecurity across the country, noting that kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks have left citizens and public servants in constant fear.
They lamented that schools and communities have increasingly become targets of criminal activities, with many victims still in captivity.
“The fear is real, as many federal workers and indeed many more Nigerians are daily falling victims of the system’s failure to guarantee safety,” the group said.
The forum called on the federal government to urgently address insecurity, secure the release of abducted persons, and restore public confidence in safety across the country.
It also urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to consider an indefinite nationwide strike if conditions do not improve.
“The poll’s position is to mandate the NLC/TUC to immediately call out workers for an indefinite strike action,” it stated.
Additionally, the forum expressed support for planned nationwide protests and called for the settlement of all outstanding worker arrears, as well as the introduction of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).
It further advocated for a sovereign national conference to address deeper governance and constitutional issues affecting the country.
The group gave the Federal Government a 30-day ultimatum to address insecurity, economic hardship, and welfare concerns, warning that continued inaction could heighten public frustration.
“We have witnessed enough killings, enough hardship, and enough hopelessness. Government must act now,” the communiqué concluded.
