Federal workers in Nigeria have commenced an indefinite nationwide strike over the non-payment of their five months’ outstanding wage awards by the government.
The strike action began at the federal secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where hundreds of workers gathered to protest the government’s neglect and insensitivity.
The workers, under the platform of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, which expired without any response. The FWF leaders, Comrade Andrew Emelieze and Comrade Itoro Obong, stated that the protest will continue indefinitely until their demands are fully met.
The workers’ key demands include:
- Â Immediate payment of five months’ wage award arrears
- Implementation of the 40% peculiar allowance and its arrears
- Review of the heavy taxation on their already inadequate wages
The FWF also urged President Bola Tinubu to rethink his policies towards Nigerian workers, condemning what they described as anti-worker decisions. “All that has come from Mr. President has been a bad example, anti-workers, and horribly promoting hardship among the federal government workers,” they said.
The strike is expected to affect federal government operations nationwide, with workers occupying federal secretariats across the country. The FWF reiterated that the protest will continue until their demands are fully met.
