The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Nigerian government, expressing deep disappointment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over what they describe as “repressive and suppressive” treatment of federal workers. The union has threatened nationwide protests if their demands for outstanding payments and welfare improvements are not met by Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

 

In a press release signed by National Coordinator Comrade Andrew Emelieze, National Secretary Comrade Itoro Obong, and Publicity Secretary Comrade Razaq Yakubu Oseni, the FWF highlighted several grievances, primarily focusing on the delayed payment of a N35,000 wage award intended to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. They claim five months of this wage award, since March 2024, remain unpaid, despite promises from the Accountant General and the Minister of Finance.

 

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“We have been more than patient enough but our government is treating us as if we do not matter,” the FWF stated, emphasizing their frustration with what they term “promise and fail” tactics.

The FWF’s demands are as follows:
* Immediate action on Monday, May 26, 2025: All federal workers in Abuja were instructed to converge at the Federal Ministry of Finance and remain there until all outstanding payments are cleared.

* No more promises: The FWF declared they would no longer entertain any further assurances without concrete action.

* Sustained presence: They vowed to continue occupying the Federal Ministry of Finance until payments are made.

* New Minimum Wage Implementation: Full implementation of the new national minimum wage is demanded by the June salary.

* Peculiar Allowance Arrears: Payment of the 40% peculiar allowance balance, outstanding since August 2024, is requested before the June 2025 salary.

* Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): Provisions for the immediate commencement of Cost of Living Allowance payments are demanded by the June salary.

* Payment of all other arrears: This includes promotion arrears, hazard allowance, peculiar allowance balance, DTA, and two years’ salaries for elongation officers at the Federal Ministry of Education, among others.

* Nationwide Protests: If their demands are not met by Wednesday, May 28, 2025, indefinite protests will commence across all federal government secretariats nationwide.

* Full Compliance: All federal workers are urged to fully comply with the directive, with exceptions only for those on essential duties. The FWF issued a stern warning against any sabotage or betrayal of the struggle.

* Consultation: The FWF stressed that no actions or statements on behalf of federal workers should be made without due consultation with them.

 

The FWF concluded by reiterating their resolve: “We are compelled to take this action as all other means have yielded no fruits. We hope and pray government listen to us as we cannot continue with this act of disloyalty to the federal workers.”

 

Comrade Emelieze, who is also a former TUC Chairman in Oyo State, urged all federal workers to ensure the message reaches everyone, emphasizing the planned convergence at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday, May 26, 2025.