The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has rejected the proposed N100,000 minimum wage, describing it as insufficient to meet the living conditions of Nigerian workers. The forum stated that the offer fails to address the current economic realities faced by employees across the country.
According to the FWF, the existing N70,000 national minimum wage has not improved workers' purchasing power, and deductions further reduce the actual benefits. The forum also expressed concern over the non-implementation of the 40 percent peculiar allowance and outstanding wage award arrears promised by government officials.
Communique Highlights Worker Hardship
In a communique signed on Sunday, May 31, 2026, the FWF national coordinator Andrew Emelieze, national secretary Ayo Ogundele, and national mobilisation officer Aminu Yerima highlighted the severe economic hardship workers face due to inflation, high living costs, fuel subsidy removal, and the 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 communique read.
The forum described the proposed N100,000 minimum wage as a “Greek gift,” criticizing governors who previously claimed they could not afford the N70,000 wage but now propose a higher amount. “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,” the statement added.
Call for Nationwide Strike
The FWF urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to declare an indefinite nationwide strike over hardship and insecurity. The Nigeria Labour Congress has already dismissed the governors' proposal, insisting that workers need up to N1 million monthly to survive current economic pressures.
The debate over wages comes amid worsening economic conditions, with unions warning that recent increases in fuel, electricity, and food prices have eroded workers' earnings. The FWF reiterated that the N100,000 proposal is not a living wage and rejected it in all its forms.
