The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has rejected the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage, describing it as insufficient to meet the harsh economic realities facing Nigerian workers amid rising inflation, insecurity, and declining purchasing power.

In a communiqué issued after a meeting and opinion poll held over the weekend, the workers’ group accused the government of failing to improve workers’ welfare despite repeated promises and the implementation of the current N70,000 minimum wage.

The statement was jointly signed by FWF National Coordinator Andrew Emelieze, National Secretary Ayo Ogundele, and National Mobilisation Officer Aminu Yerima.

Workers Say N70,000 Wage Has Failed

According to the forum, the recently implemented N70,000 minimum wage has not translated into meaningful economic relief for federal workers.

The group alleged that only about N40,000 was added uniformly across salary structures, while deductions significantly reduced the actual take-home pay received by workers.

The communiqué also highlighted several unresolved financial issues affecting federal employees, including:

• Unpaid promotion arrears
• Outstanding wage award arrears
• Unpaid Duty Tour Allowances (DTA)
• Non-implementation of the 40% peculiar allowance

The forum said soaring inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and the weakening naira have pushed many workers deeper into hardship.

“Federal workers nationwide are living daily in fear and uncertainty. We are constantly confronted with the challenges of survival and safety,” the statement said.

FWF Rejects Governors’ N100,000 Proposal

The forum strongly criticised the reported proposal by state governors for a N100,000 minimum wage, calling it unrealistic and politically hypocritical.

According to the group, many governors previously argued they could not afford the current N70,000 wage benchmark, making the new proposal difficult to trust.

“To us, this is the height of hypocrisy,” the communiqué stated.

The FWF described the proposed figure as a “Greek gift” and insisted it does not qualify as a living wage under Nigeria’s present economic conditions.

“The N100,000 proposal is not a living wage. We condemn and reject this proposal in all its forms and entirety.”

Calls for Nationwide Strike and Protests

The workers’ forum urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to immediately declare an indefinite nationwide strike over worsening hardship and insecurity.

The group also backed planned nationwide protests and rallies beginning June 1 unless there are urgent improvements in living conditions and public safety.

Insecurity Becoming a Major Concern

Beyond wages, the forum expressed alarm over increasing insecurity across the country, including kidnappings, killings, and attacks on schools.

The workers said many Nigerians, including federal employees, now live in constant fear due to the inability of authorities to guarantee safety.

The communiqué noted that children and ordinary citizens remain in captivity in several parts of the country while violent attacks continue nationwide.

30-Day Ultimatum to Tinubu Government

The forum issued a 30-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, demanding urgent action on insecurity, economic hardship, and workers’ welfare.

It also called for:

• Immediate payment of all outstanding worker arrears
• Introduction of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
• Stronger security interventions nationwide
• A sovereign national conference to address governance and constitutional challenges

The group warned that continued inaction could trigger deeper public frustration and nationwide unrest.

Why This Story Matters

The rejection of the proposed wage increase highlights growing tension between Nigerian workers and government authorities over the country’s worsening economic crisis.

With inflation remaining high, food prices surging, and insecurity spreading across several regions, labour tensions could intensify in the coming weeks — especially if major unions align with the FWF’s calls for industrial action and protests.