The Federal Workers Forum has rejected the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage, describing it as inadequate to address the economic challenges facing Nigerian workers.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting and opinion poll held on Saturday to discuss hardship, wages and insecurity across the country.
The communiqué was signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, National Secretary, Ayo Ogundele, and National Mobilisation Officer, Aminu Yerima.
According to the forum, federal workers continue to face rising living costs, unpaid entitlements and worsening insecurity despite government assurances on workers’ welfare.
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The group argued that the implementation of the current N70,000 minimum wage has failed to significantly improve workers’ purchasing power. It alleged that only N40,000 was added uniformly across salary grades, while deductions further reduced the actual benefits received by employees.
“Federal workers nationwide are living daily in fear and uncertainty. We are constantly confronted with the challenges of survival and safety,” the forum stated.
The workers’ body said inflation, fuel subsidy removal, the depreciation of the naira and rising costs of living have worsened economic conditions for public servants. It also noted that many workers are still owed promotion arrears, wage awards, duty tour allowances and other outstanding entitlements.
“The N100,000 proposal is not a living wage. We condemn and reject this proposal in all its forms and entirety,” the communiqué added.
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The reaction follows reports that state governors are considering a new minimum wage of N100,000 amid growing concerns over the impact of inflation on workers’ incomes. Discussions are reportedly ongoing between state governments, the Federal Government and organised labour on a possible wage review.
The forum, however, argued that any new wage structure must reflect prevailing economic realities and be negotiated through due process.
Beyond wage concerns, the group expressed concern over rising insecurity, citing incidents of kidnappings, killings and attacks on communities across the country. It called on the government to take urgent steps to improve security and secure the release of kidnapped victims.
The forum also urged authorities to clear outstanding arrears owed to workers and introduce a Cost of Living Allowance to help cushion the impact of economic hardship.
