Nigerian federal workers protest unpaid allowances, insecurity

Scores of federal workers in Oyo state staged a peaceful protest at the Federal Secretariat in Ibadan, demanding urgent government action on economic hardship, outstanding welfare packages, and insecurity. The protest, part of a nationwide action, saw workers carrying placards and marching within the secretariat premises.

Mr. Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), decried the rising cost of living and alleged that the Federal government had not fully implemented the N70,000 national minimum wage. He stated that the two-month wage award balance, a 40 percent peculiar allowance, and promotion arrears remain unpaid. Emelieze emphasized that inflation has outpaced the current minimum wage, necessitating an immediate review.

“

inflation has overtaken the current minimum wage, making an immediate review necessary.

Workers are demanding a cost-of-living allowance or the resumption of wage award payments to mitigate the impact of rising prices. Emelieze also expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, citing persistent killings, kidnappings, and the ongoing captivity of abducted children in Oyo and other states. The forum called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to initiate a two-day nationwide strike over economic hardship and insecurity.

Additional demands include the removal of tariffs on essential goods and services, free education for federal workers' children in federal institutions, a functional car loan scheme, and a special family support allowance. The FWF has agreed that all federal workers will wear black every Monday as a symbol of protest until their demands are met.

“

Other demands include the removal of tariffs on essential goods and services, free education for the children of federal workers in federal institutions, a functional car loan scheme and a special family support allowance.