On Monday, May 26, 2025, the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) initiated a nationwide protest in Nigeria, voicing deep dissatisfaction with the federal government�s failure to fulfill multiple wage-related commitments. This action underscores growing tensions between federal civil servants and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu�s administration over unpaid entitlements and deteriorating working conditions.
The FWF, representing a broad coalition of federal civil servants, has accused the federal government of neglecting its obligations to workers. Central to their grievances is the non-payment of a ?35,000 wage award, introduced as a palliative measure following the removal of fuel subsidies. Despite assurances from top government officials, including the Accountant General and the Minister of Finance, that these payments would be disbursed promptly, five months� worth of arrears remain unpaid.�
Comrade Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of the FWF, expressed profound disappointment, stating that federal workers feel treated as �slaves� rather than citizens. He criticized the administration for becoming increasingly �repressive and suppressive,� highlighting the government�s failure to honor its financial commitments to its employees.�
In response to the government�s inaction, the FWF has outlined a series of demands and protest actions:
- Immediate Payment of Wage Arrears: The forum demands the immediate disbursement of all five months of outstanding ?35,000 wage awards.�
- Implementation of New National Minimum Wage: They call for the full implementation of the new national minimum wage with the June salary at the latest.�
- Settlement of Other Arrears: This includes the balance of the 40% peculiar allowance since August 2024, promotion arrears, hazard allowances, and two years� salaries owed to elongation officers at the Federal Ministry of Education. �
The FWF has called on all federal workers in Abuja to resume work at the Federal Ministry of Finance, stating, �We will not entertain any more promises. We shall continue to report to the Federal Ministry of Finance until we are paid.��
Furthermore, the forum has warned that if no meaningful response is received by Wednesday, May 28, 2025, protests will escalate and spread to all federal secretariats nationwide. They have urged all federal workers to fully comply, except those on essential duties, emphasizing that any attempts to sabotage or betray the struggle will be held accountable.�
This protest reflects a broader discontent among Nigerian workers regarding economic challenges and perceived governmental neglect. The FWF�s actions highlight the urgent need for the federal government to address workers� grievances and fulfill its financial obligations to prevent further unrest and maintain industrial harmony.
