The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has rejected the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage, describing it as inadequate and incapable of addressing the economic challenges confronting Nigerian workers.
The position of the forum was contained in a communiqué issued on Sunday following a meeting and opinion poll held on Saturday to deliberate on the issues of hardship and insecurity across the country.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the National Coordinator of the forum, Andrew Emelieze; National Secretary, Ayo Ogundele; and National Mobilisation Officer, Aminu Yerima.
According to the forum, federal workers continue to face worsening living conditions, poor wages, unpaid entitlements, and rising insecurity despite repeated assurances by government regarding workers’ welfare.
The forum stated that the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage has failed to meet expectations and has not significantly improved workers’ purchasing power.
It alleged that only N40,000 was added uniformly to salaries across grade levels, while deductions further reduced the actual benefits received by workers.
The workers also expressed concern over the non-implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance as well as outstanding wage award arrears earlier promised by government officials.
“Federal workers nationwide are living daily in fear and uncertainty. We are constantly confronted with the challenges of survival and safety,” the communiqué stated.
“Workers have continued to face severe economic hardship arising from inflation, high living costs, fuel subsidy removal and declining value of the naira.
“Many federal workers are still being owed promotion arrears, wage awards, Duty Tour Allowances and other entitlements accumulated over several years,” the forum said.
Reacting to the proposed N100,000 minimum wage reportedly being canvassed by state governors, the forum maintained that the amount falls far below what can be regarded as a living wage.
“To us, this is the height of hypocrisy. These same governors, most of whom said they could not afford the N70,000 minimum wage, are now proposing N100,000,” it said.
The forum described the proposal as a “Greek gift” and urged relevant authorities to follow due process in negotiating a wage structure that reflects prevailing economic realities.
“The N100,000 proposal is not a living wage. We condemn and reject this proposal in all its forms and entirety,” the forum stated.
The workers’ body also raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation across the country, noting that workers and ordinary Nigerians are increasingly vulnerable to kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes.
According to the forum, schools have become major targets of criminal attacks, while many victims, including children, remain in captivity in different parts of the country.
“The fear is real, as many federal workers and indeed many more Nigerians are daily falling victims of the system’s failure to guarantee safety,” it stated.
The forum called on government to take urgent steps to improve security, secure the release of kidnapped victims and halt the wave of killings recorded across the country.
It also urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to declare an indefinite nationwide strike over the hardship and insecurity facing Nigerians.
“The poll’s position is to mandate the NLC/TUC to immediately call out workers to proceed on an indefinite strike action,” the forum stated.
In addition, the workers expressed support for proposed nationwide protests and rallies beginning June 1, pending improvements in security and living conditions.
