The Federal Workers Forum has threatened to mobilise federal workers across the country for an indefinite nationwide strike over worsening insecurity and unresolved wage-related issues affecting workers.

According to The PUNCH, the threat was contained in a communiqué issued after an online meeting held on Sunday, where the forum also criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress for allegedly failing to provide leadership and adequately address the concerns of workers.

The communiqué, signed by the National Coordinator of the forum, Mr Emelieze, and its Secretary, Mr Ayo Ogundele, and made available to journalists, accused the Federal Government of exploiting workers and failing to guarantee their safety amid growing security challenges nationwide.

According to the forum, an online poll conducted among its members showed overwhelming support for an immediate strike action aimed at drawing attention to the hardship and insecurity currently facing Nigerians.

The group argued that the July 2024 minimum wage adjustment had turned out to be a disappointment for federal workers.

It stated that only a flat sum of N40,000 was added to salaries across all grade levels and that the amount was subjected to taxation, leaving workers with significantly less than expected.

The forum further alleged that the promised 40 per cent peculiar allowance, which the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, had announced would take effect from May 1, 2026, was subsequently disowned by the Office of the Accountant-General.

“May 2026 salaries have been paid, but no wage award was given as promised by the Minister of Finance, and consequential adjustments remain outstanding.

“Federal workers are already getting used to forfeiting their promotion arrears and, as a matter of fact, some salaries and numerous arrears have entered ‘voice mail’,” the communiqué stated.

The forum also listed several outstanding entitlements owed to federal workers, including two months of wage award arrears dating back to July 2024 and unpaid Duty Tour Allowance arrears.

It rejected the recent proposal by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for a N100,000 minimum wage, describing it as a “Greek gift” intended to keep workers’ wages low and characterising it as a “wicked conspiracy against workers.”

The group demanded the payment of a living wage to workers as well as the immediate settlement of all outstanding arrears and cost-of-living allowances.

On the issue of insecurity, the forum lamented that federal workers now live daily under fear and uncertainty as kidnappings and violent attacks continue to occur across different parts of the country.

The forum specifically condemned recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo and Borno states involving children and teachers, describing the situation as deeply troubling.

Consequently, the FWF directed the leadership of the NLC and TUC to urgently engage with the Federal Government in order to secure swift solutions to the prevailing hardship and insecurity confronting Nigerians.

The forum also called on the Federal Government to deploy every available means, including negotiation, to secure the release of hostages, particularly children being held captive in Oyo State and other parts of the country.

In addition, the group urged the National Assembly to enact legislation granting Nigerians the right to bear firearms as part of efforts to address the worsening security situation.

The forum further called for the convening of a sovereign national conference to deliberate on the current state of the nation and chart a way forward for Nigeria.