THE FEDERAL Workers Forum (FWF), a labour advocacy group representing Nigeria’s federal workforce, has declared an indefinite nationwide protest set to begin on April 22, 2025, over alleged systemic exploitation by the Nigerian government and the failure of labour unions to protect workers’ rights.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations (UN), and its Security Council, the FWF accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of maintaining “slave wages,” unpaid arrears, and anti-worker policies that have plunged civil servants into poverty.
The petition, dated April 13, 2025 and signed by Comrade Andrew Emelieze; National Coordinator (FWF) and former Oyo State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Comrade Itoro Obong, Secretary General (FWF), and Vice Chairman, Association of Hospital and Administrative pharmacists of Nigeria, AKS chapter, is entitled: “PROTEST AGAINST EXPLOITATION OF WORKERS BY THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT, THE COMPROMISE OF LABOUR UNIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS FOR INDEFINITE PROTEST FROM 22ND APRIL 2025 BY FEDERAL WORKERS”.
Slave Wages & Economic Hardship:
The FWF condemned the current national minimum wage of ₦70,000 (less than $40 monthly), calling it “exploitative” and unfit for survival amid soaring inflation.
It lamented that despite recent adjustments, only ₦40,000 was added to salaries, with no proper negotiation with labour unions.
Unpaid Arrears & Allowances:
The FWF also alleged that the federal government owes workers five months of unpaid wage awards (₦175,000 per worker) since July 2024, alongside unpaid promotion arrears, hazard allowances, and Duty Tour Allowances (DTAs).
Vote Of No Confidence On NLC/TUC:
The FWF declared a vote of no confidence in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), accusing them of silence on workers’ plights, casualization, and pension fraud.
Government & Judicial Complicity:
The petition also criticized the National Assembly, judiciary, and Federal Ministry of Labour for failing to legislate or enforce fair wages and decent working conditions.
The FWF therefore Call for International Intervention by calling on theILO and UN to sanction the Nigerian government for violating international labour conventions; investigate the NLC/TUC’s alleged compromise, just as it called on the ILO and UN to support the April 22 protest demanding for living wages and justice for workers.
Solidarity with U.S. Workers
In a surprising inclusion, the FWF expressed solidarity with American federal workers, condemning President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for “anti-worker policies” and urging the ILO to intervene.
According the FWF, if its demands are unmet, federal workers will shut down government operations indefinitely starting April 22, escalating pressure on authorities.
“Nigerian workers can no longer endure starvation wages while politicians live in opulence. The world must act before this crisis explodes,” FWF warned.
