Federal workers have demanded a living wage in place of the N70,000 minimum wage.
Also, they asked for a bulk payment of the five-month N175,000 wage arrears owed them by the Federal Government.
They made the demands under the aegis of the Federal Workers Forum and other Forum Leaders (FWF),in a statement by the body’s National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
They expressed discontent over the government’s decision to pay the arrears monthly instead of in one lump sum.
The statement followed a nationwide protest across all 37 federal secretariats.
On the Issue of Five Months’ Wage Award Arrears, the FWF acknowledged the Federal Government’s plan to commence payment of the wage award arrears after the April salary
However,it criticized the phased monthly disbursement, stressing that a lump-sum payment of ₦175,000 would be more impactful and just, given the prolonged delay.
It said, “We urge the Federal Government, through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, to make a one-off bulk payment of ₦175,000 in the best interest of workers”.
Opposimg the N70,000 minimum wage amid escalating living costs, it demanded that the government commences payment of 50% of basic salary as a cost-of-living allowance (COLA), even as negotiations for a new national minimum wage continue.
It demanded immediate payment of all outstanding promotion arrears for federal workers, especially those from 2023 onward.
Also, it requested the urgent disbursement of seven months’ arrears of CONHESS and CONMESS salary reviews (June 2023 – December 2023), already approved by the President.
The statement was jointly signed by other key members including Comrades Akinwunmi A. Akinkugbe, H. S. Abdulmumini, Solomon Okon, Lady (Com.) Emem Umoh, Com. Itoro Obong (Pharm), and Com. (Barr) Miriam Nduruka.
