Nigerian workers threaten indefinite strike over wages, insecurity

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has issued a stark warning of an indefinite nationwide strike, citing unaddressed wage disputes and escalating insecurity.

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May 2026 salaries have been paid, but no wage award was given as promised by the Minister of Finance, and consequential adjustments remain outstanding.

The forum expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, accusing them of failing to offer adequate leadership. In a statement, the FWF alleged that the Federal Government is exploiting workers and neglecting their safety. An internal poll indicated overwhelming support among members for an immediate strike to combat the current hardship and insecurity crisis.

Specific grievances include the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment, which the FWF described as a "hoax." They claim only a flat N40,000 was added to salaries across all grade levels, with taxes further reducing the amount. The promised 40 percent peculiar allowance, initially slated for May 1, 2026, has reportedly been disavowed by the Office of the Accountant-General. Furthermore, the forum highlighted unpaid entitlements such as two months of wage award arrears and outstanding Duty Tour Allowance arrears.

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Federal workers are already getting used to forfeiting their promotion arrears and, as a matter of fact, some salaries and numerous arrears have entered ‘voice mail’.

The FWF also vehemently rejected the Nigerian Governors’ Forum's recent N100,000 minimum wage proposal, labeling it a "Greek gift" and a "wicked conspiracy against workers." They are demanding a living wage and the immediate settlement of all arrears and cost-of-living allowances. Regarding insecurity, the forum stated that federal workers live in constant fear, with kidnappings and attacks becoming commonplace, citing recent incidents in Oyo and Borno states.

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Greek gift

The FWF has mandated the NLC and TUC to engage the government for a swift resolution to these issues. They also called for the government to negotiate the release of hostages, particularly children, and urged the National Assembly to legislate the right for Nigerians to bear firearms. The forum additionally proposed a sovereign national conference to discuss the nation's condition.

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wicked conspiracy against workers.