Federal Workers Threaten Protest Over Arrears, Minimum Wage and COLA Demands
Federal civil servants under the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) have issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, demanding immediate payment of several outstanding financial entitlements. These include unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, and the full implementation of the new national minimum wage.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the workers issued their demand in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and copied to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. The letter was signed by the forum's national coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, national secretary, Itoro Obong, and publicity secretary, Razaq Oseni.
The workers expressed growing frustration, especially following the removal of fuel subsidy, which they claim has worsened their economic conditions.
“It has been ten months since the new minimum wage took effect, yet full compliance is lacking,” the forum wrote. “We call on the Federal Government to ensure complete implementation by June 30, 2025, and pay all arrears dating back to August 2024.”
In addition to wage compliance, the forum is demanding payment of a 40% peculiar allowance in June salaries, and introduction of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). They also condemned the selective disbursement of wage awards across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), calling for equitable payment of all outstanding entitlements.
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Other pressing demands include payment of promotion arrears, leave bonuses, hazard allowances, 13th-month incentives, and long-service awards — particularly for staff in the judiciary, federal health institutions, and tertiary institutions.
The letter also raised concerns over reported plans to borrow from the contributory pension fund, warning the government against using pension assets for loans, calling it illegal and exploitative.
“If the government fails to act promptly, federal workers may be forced to take to the streets in peaceful protest,” the letter concluded.
This growing tension may lead to major industrial unrest if urgent measures are not taken by the Tinubu administration.
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