Federal workers under the Federal Workers Forum have announced a nationwide peaceful protest on Monday, demanding an immediate wage review, payment of outstanding allowances and improved welfare amid rising economic hardship.
ABUJA – The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has announced plans to stage a nationwide peaceful protest on Monday, June 29, 2026, to demand an immediate review of workers’ wages and improved welfare for federal civil servants.
The forum said the decision followed the outcome of an emergency online meeting involving federal workers across the country, citing worsening economic conditions and unresolved welfare issues.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, National Coordinator of the FWF, Mr. Andrew Emelieze, said the protest would take place simultaneously at federal secretariats nationwide, with participants also expected to picket selected government institutions.
According to Emelieze, federal workers have also been encouraged to wear black attire every Monday as a symbol of protest against insecurity and the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
“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 forum argued that many federal workers were yet to fully benefit from the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Emelieze also demanded the immediate payment of outstanding wage award balances, promotion arrears, the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and other entitlements owed to federal workers.
“The government must immediately pay the outstanding wage award balance, fully disburse the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and clear all promotion arrears owed federal workers,” he stated.
The FWF maintained that the current minimum wage no longer reflects prevailing economic realities and should be reviewed to address the rising cost of living.
“To continue to pay N70,000 minimum wage under the current economic realities is unacceptable. The wage must be reviewed immediately,” Emelieze said.
Beyond wage-related issues, the forum called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to combat insecurity and secure the release of kidnapped children in Oyo State and other victims across the country.
It also urged the government to introduce a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) or immediately resume wage award payments to cushion the impact of inflation 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 assist civil servants with rising household expenses.
The forum further appealed to the government to reduce or remove tariffs on essential goods and services in order to ease the economic burden on Nigerians.
Emelieze also criticised the perceived silence of organised labour over the challenges facing workers, calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to declare a two-day nationwide strike and protest against insecurity and economic hardship.
The planned demonstration is expected to test the Federal Government’s response to growing concerns over workers’ welfare as labour groups continue to push for improved remuneration and social support measures.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
