THE FEDERAL Workers Forum (FWF), a coalition representing federal government employees, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government demanding the immediate payment of outstanding wage awards and allowances, failing which they will commence an indefinite nationwide protest.
In a strongly worded press release dated May 24, 2025, the FWF expressed deep frustration over the government’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations to workers, describing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “repressive and suppressive.”
The press release, jointly signed by Comrade Andrew Emelieze (National Coordinator), Comrade Itoro Obong (National Secretary), and Comrade Razaq Yakubu Oseni (Publicity Secretary), urged all federal workers to comply fully, except those on essential duties.
It also cautioned that no decisions should be made on behalf of workers without proper consultation.
The FWF described the planned actions as a last resort after exhausting all other avenues. “We have been more than patient, but the government continues to trample on our rights,” the statement read. “We pray the government listens before this situation escalates.”
All eyes are on the Federal Ministry of Finance, where a major showdown is expected on Monday unless the government takes immediate action.
Workers Citizens, Not Slaves
The group highlighted the non-payment of a ₦35,000 wage award, initially introduced to mitigate the harsh economic effects of fuel subsidy removal, as a major grievance.
According to the forum, federal workers are still owed five months of these wage awards, with successive government promises failing to materialize into payments. The FWF accused key government officials, including the Accountant General of the Federation and the Minister of Finance, of reneging on assurances to clear the backlog.
“The Accountant General had promised to pay immediately after April salaries, and the Minister of Finance also pledged payment within 48 hours. Yet, workers have seen nothing,” the statement read.
The forum condemned what it termed the government’s “disloyalty” to workers, declaring that federal employees “are citizens, not slaves,” and warned against further disregard for their welfare.
Key Demands and Planned Actions
The FWF outlined a 10-point resolution, including: mass convergence at Finance Ministry – starting Monday, May 26, all federal workers in Abuja are to report to the Federal Ministry of Finance instead of their usual offices; rejection of further promises – that workers will no longer accept verbal assurances from the government; and sustained protests by workers who will occupy the Finance Ministry until all outstanding payments are made.
The FWF is also demanding for the full implementation of the revised national minimum wage, insisting that it must reflect in June salaries. Additionally, the workers are demanding for the payment, not later than June 2025, of the remaining 40% peculiar allowance arrears owed since August 2024.
Other demands by the FWF include the introduction of Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) from June 2025, and the immediate payment of promotion arrears, hazard allowances, unpaid peculiar allowances, Duty Tour Allowances (DTA), and two years’ salaries for elongation officers in the Federal Ministry of Education.
Ultimatum for Nationwide Shutdown
Should the government fail to respond by Wednesday, May 28, the FWF vowed to escalate protests, shutting down federal secretariats across the country indefinitely.
The group also issued a stern warning against sabotage, stating: “It will not be well with anyone who tries to betray this struggle.”
