The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has urged the Federal Government to approve a N300,000 national minimum wage and immediately pay outstanding wage awards, salary arrears, and other worker entitlements. This demand was made on Monday by Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of the Forum, in a statement issued from Abuja.
The group also called on the government to settle the outstanding two-month wage award owed to federal workers since June 2024. Additionally, they demanded the payment of arrears for the 40% peculiar allowance and the completion of the N70,000 national minimum wage implementation, including all outstanding salary arrears arising from it.
Wage Structure Review and Outstanding Commitments
The FWF stated that current salaries for federal workers are unsustainable due to Nigeria’s rising cost of living, urging President Bola Tinubu to review the country’s wage structure immediately. The Forum reiterated its recommendation for a minimum wage of N300,000 and a maximum wage of N1.5 million for officers on Grade Level 17, awaiting an immediate response from the President.
The group reminded the Federal Government of its outstanding obligations, including the two-month wage award, peculiar allowance arrears, and the full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, noting that several approved benefits are yet to be fully paid.
Concerns Over Correctional Service Welfare and Conditions
Beyond wage demands, the Forum raised concerns about the welfare of personnel in Nigeria’s correctional service. They alleged that many officers are forced to purchase official uniforms, boots, belts, rank badges, and other work equipment using personal funds.
The FWF also claimed that officers sitting for promotion examinations contribute money for the welfare of examiners, stating similar practices occur within the Federal Fire Service. Consequently, the Forum called for an independent investigation into the alleged extortion during promotion exercises and demanded improved welfare for correctional officers and other paramilitary personnel.
Emelieze further described conditions in Nigeria’s correctional centres as deplorable, citing overcrowding, poor feeding, disease outbreaks, and the prolonged detention of awaiting-trial inmates. According to him, these conditions pose serious health risks to inmates, correctional personnel, and neighbouring communities.
The Forum urged the Federal Government to decongest correctional facilities through the prerogative of mercy and general amnesty for inmates who have spent more than five years awaiting trial. They also advocated for reforms to ensure criminal trials are concluded within one year.
Context of Minimum Wage Demands
This latest demand comes amid growing calls by labour groups for a fresh review of Nigeria’s minimum wage in response to rising inflation and the increasing cost of living. In June, Nairametrics reported that the Federal Workers Forum rejected proposals for a N100,000 national minimum wage, arguing its insufficiency for current economic realities.
Earlier, in May, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos State Council urged the Lagos State Government to increase the state’s minimum wage from N85,000 to N225,000, citing mounting inflationary pressures and declining purchasing power. President Bola Tinubu signed the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, approving a N70,000 national minimum wage on July 18, 2024. The legislation introduced a provision requiring the national minimum wage to be reviewed every three years, replacing the previous five-year review cycle.
