Abuja, May 31, 2026 — The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has rejected the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage, insisting that it is insufficient to meet current economic conditions and the rising cost of living in the country.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued on Sunday following a meeting and opinion poll held on Saturday, where members reviewed issues relating to economic hardship and insecurity across Nigeria.
The document was signed by the National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, the National Secretary, Ayo Ogundele, and the National Mobilisation Officer, Aminu Yerima.
The group said federal employees continue to face worsening living standards, low remuneration, unpaid entitlements and growing insecurity, despite repeated assurances on improved welfare.
It noted that the current N70,000 minimum wage has not delivered the expected relief, arguing that it has not significantly improved workers’ purchasing power.
According to the forum, only a flat increment of about N40,000 was applied across salary levels, while deductions further reduced what workers actually receive.
It also faulted the non-payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and other outstanding wage-related arrears allegedly promised by authorities.
“Federal workers across the country are struggling daily with survival under harsh economic and security conditions,” the group stated.
It attributed the hardship to inflation, high cost of living, fuel subsidy removal and the weakening value of the naira.
The forum further claimed that many workers were still being owed promotion arrears, wage awards, Duty Tour Allowances and other long-standing entitlements.
On the proposed N100,000 wage reportedly suggested by some state governors, the group dismissed it as unrealistic and inconsistent with earlier positions on wage affordability.
It criticised the proposal as contradictory, noting that some of the same officials who previously argued against the N70,000 minimum wage are now supporting a higher figure.
The forum described the proposal as unacceptable, urging that any wage review must reflect current economic realities and follow proper negotiation channels.
It maintained that the suggested amount does not qualify as a living wage and should be rejected in its entirety.
The group also raised concerns over worsening insecurity, saying citizens and workers continue to face kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes nationwide.
It lamented that schools and other public institutions have become frequent targets of attacks, with many victims still in captivity in various parts of the country.
The forum warned that fear and uncertainty have become part of daily life for many Nigerians, including federal workers.
It called on the government to take urgent steps to improve security, rescue abducted persons and curb rising violence across the country.
The group also urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to consider an indefinite nationwide strike in response to worsening conditions.
It further expressed support for planned protests and rallies scheduled to begin June 1, pending improvements in security and living standards.
The forum demanded immediate payment of all outstanding arrears owed to workers and the introduction of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to ease economic pressure.
It also called for a sovereign national conference to address broader governance and constitutional issues affecting the country.
The workers’ body issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address insecurity, economic hardship and other national concerns.
It warned that continued inaction could heighten public dissatisfaction and deepen nationwide frustration over worsening living conditions.