The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on Monday, demanding an urgent review of workers’ wages and improved welfare packages.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja and signed by its National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, the forum said the decision followed an emergency virtual meeting of federal workers from across the country.
According to Emelieze, the protest will be peaceful and held simultaneously at federal secretariats nationwide, with selected government institutions also set to be picketed.
He said federal workers had been encouraged to wear black every Monday as a symbol of protest against worsening insecurity and the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
“Collective action has become necessary to draw attention to the plight of workers and the urgent need for responsible governance and effective leadership,” he said.
The FWF accused the Federal Government of failing to fully implement the N70,000 national minimum wage for many workers and decried the non-payment of outstanding wage awards, promotion arrears, the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, and other benefits owed to federal employees.
“The government must immediately settle the outstanding wage award balance, fully pay the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, and clear all promotion arrears owed federal workers,” Emelieze stated.
Describing the current minimum wage as grossly inadequate amid rising living costs, he called for an immediate upward review.
“To continue paying a N70,000 minimum wage under the current economic realities is unacceptable. The wage must be reviewed without delay,” he said.
The forum also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to combat insecurity and secure the release of kidnapped children in Oyo State, as well as other victims held captive across the country.
In addition, the FWF demanded the introduction of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) or the immediate resumption of wage award payments to cushion the effects of economic hardship on workers.
Other demands include free education for the children of federal workers in federal institutions, the establishment of a functional car loan scheme, and the introduction of a special family support allowance to help civil servants meet growing family responsibilities.
The group further called on the government to reduce or remove tariffs on essential goods and services to ease the burden on citizens and improve living standards.
Emelieze also expressed disappointment over what he described as the silence of organised labour on pressing national issues affecting workers.
“We call on the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to immediately declare a two-day nationwide strike and protest against insecurity and the hardship confronting Nigerians,” he said.
Source: NAN
