THE FEDERAL Workers Forum (FWF) has renewed its demands for improved welfare for federal employees, calling on the Federal Government to immediately settle outstanding salary-related obligations, implement a comprehensive wage review, and address what it described as deteriorating conditions within Nigeria’s correctional system.
In a statement issued on Monday, jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, and General Secretary, Comrade Ayo Ogundele, and made available to National Record, the forum reminded the Federal Government of several unresolved financial commitments to federal workers.
The group called for the payment of the outstanding two-month wage award owed since June 2024, the settlement of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance arrears outstanding since July 2024, and the full implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage alongside all accrued arrears.
The forum also appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review the salaries of federal workers, arguing that prevailing wages are no longer sustainable in view of the country’s economic realities.
According to the statement, the proposed salary review is consistent with previous comments credited to the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who reportedly acknowledged that the current earnings of federal workers are inadequate.
The FWF recommended a new minimum wage of ₦300,000, with a maximum salary of ₦1.5 million for officers on Grade Level 17, urging the President to respond promptly to what it described as years of exploitation of public servants.
Poor State of Correctional Centres
Beyond workers’ welfare, the forum expressed deep concern over the state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, describing them as overcrowded, dilapidated facilities that have failed to fulfil their rehabilitative purpose.
According to the group, prolonged delays in the administration of justice have resulted in severe prison congestion, exposing inmates to poor living conditions, inadequate feeding, disease outbreaks and preventable deaths.
The statement alleged that many inmates remain in custody for between 10 and 15 years while awaiting trial, describing the situation as a serious indictment of the country’s justice system.
The forum argued that the conditions in correctional centres pose not only a humanitarian challenge but also a public health risk, warning that the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis threatens correctional officers, their families and surrounding communities.
The FWF called for immediate reforms, including a general amnesty to decongest correctional facilities, compensation for inmates who have suffered abuse, and the exercise of the prerogative of mercy for inmates who have spent more than five years in custody without conviction.
It also advocated the abolition of capital punishment through the commutation of all death sentences to life imprisonment and urged the government to establish a statutory time limit to ensure that no awaiting-trial inmate remains in custody for more than one year without the conclusion of trial proceedings.
The forum further urged judicial authorities to intensify oversight of correctional facilities, arguing that regular inspections would expose prevailing conditions and encourage reforms within the criminal justice system.
The statement also highlighted the welfare challenges facing correctional officers and other personnel under the Federal Ministry of Interior.
According to the forum, many officers are compelled to purchase their uniforms, boots, belts, rank badges and other official kits with personal funds despite earning modest salaries.
The group described the practice as unacceptable, alleging that similar welfare challenges exist across paramilitary agencies under the ministry.
The FWF further alleged that correctional officers participating in ongoing promotion examinations were required to contribute ₦10,000 each as “welfare” for examiners, while officers of the Federal Fire Service were allegedly asked to pay ₦25,000 each before participating in promotion exercises.
The forum called for an independent investigation into the allegations of extortion and other systemic practices affecting personnel within the agencies.
It also expressed concern over the alleged non-payment of Duty Tour Allowance to correctional officers deployed for professional development courses outside their states of residence.
The FWF maintained that both inmates and correctional personnel deserve better treatment, insisting that comprehensive reforms are necessary to improve the correctional system and the welfare of officers serving within it.
The forum also appreciated participants in its June 29 protest against insecurity and economic hardship, urging federal workers to continue wearing black every Monday as a symbol of protest until their demands are addressed.
The statement reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to pursuing improved welfare for federal workers and broader reforms within the country’s justice and correctional systems.
