THE FEDERAL Workers Forum (FWF) has issued a strongly worded open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly (NASS), and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), demanding urgent intervention in the worsening economic plight of federal workers.
The FWF also called on the International Labour Organization (ILO) to take note of the grievances raised as it issued a 30-day ultimatum, warning that if their demands are not met, federal workers nationwide may stage a mass protest at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
In the letter dated June 3, 2025, the FWF highlighted the severe hardships faced by workers since the removal of fuel subsidies two years ago, citing skyrocketing inflation, naira devaluation, and stagnant wages.
In the letter, signed by Comrade Andrew Emelieze, Comrade Itoro Obong, and Comrade Razaq Yakubu Oseni, the National Coordinator, National Secretary and and Publicity Secretary, respectively of the FWF, The forum accused the federal government of failing to fully implement the new national minimum wage, delaying wage awards, and neglecting workers’ welfare despite repeated appeals.
The FWF is therefore demanding full implementation of the new minimum wage, stating that the ₦70,000 minimum wage, which took effect ten months ago, has not been fully enforced.
The workers therefore demanded full compliance by June 30, 2025, along with arrears for the past ten months.
While demanding the payment of outstanding Peculiar Allowance, the FWF said workers are owed a 40% peculiar allowance balance for ten months, which it insists must be paid immediately, and along with the immediate institution of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to cushion the current economic hardship.
Other demands include:
Settlement of Wage Award Arrears: The forum questioned why five months of wage award arrears remain unpaid since March 2024, alleging possible diversion of funds and demanding a full investigation.
Payment of Unremitted Salaries: The FWF cited cases of unpaid salaries, including Nigerian Immigration Service recruits (unpaid for over a year), Federal Ministry of Education staff on elongation (owed two years’ salaries), and Special Constabulary police officers (unpaid for nearly five years).
Reversal of Heavy Taxation: The group called for a review of the “heavy tax regime” on workers’ salaries.
Reinstatement of Fuel Subsidy: In a bold demand, the FWF declared that the subsidy removal policy had “failed,” worsening poverty while benefiting only a few elites. They urged the government to reverse the policy to alleviate economic suffering.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
The FWF raised concerns over the alleged mismanagement of workers’ pension funds, questioning why ₦10 trillion was borrowed from the contributory pension scheme without workers’ knowledge. They warned against further tampering with pension funds and demanded accountability.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Minister of Finance, the Head of Service, the Accountant General of the Federation, and international bodies, including Amnesty International and Transparency International.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the presidency or the ministries involved.
