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Federal Workers Demand ₦300,000 Minimum Wage
The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has urged the Federal Government to approve a new ₦300,000 national minimum wage and settle outstanding wage awards, salary arrears, and other entitlements owed to workers.
National Coordinator Andrew Emelieze made the demand in a statement on Monday, stressing that current salaries are no longer sustainable given Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
“We reiterate our recommendation for a minimum wage of ₦300,000 and a maximum wage of ₦1.5 million for officers on Grade Level 17. We await an immediate response from Mr President,” the Forum said.
The group reminded government of its obligations, including the two-month wage award arrears since June 2024, unpaid 40% peculiar allowance arrears, and incomplete implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage signed into law in July 2024.
Beyond wage issues, the Forum raised concerns about welfare in the correctional service, alleging that officers are forced to buy uniforms, boots, and rank badges with personal funds.
It also claimed that promotion exam candidates contribute money for examiners’ welfare, urging an independent investigation into alleged extortion.
Emelieze described conditions in correctional centres as deplorable, citing overcrowding, poor feeding, disease outbreaks, and prolonged detention of awaiting-trial inmates.
He called for general amnesty for inmates held for over five years and reforms to ensure trials conclude within one year.
The Forum’s demands come amid wider labour agitation. In June, the group rejected proposals for a ₦100,000 minimum wage, while in May, the NLC Lagos Council urged the state government to raise its minimum wage from ₦85,000 to ₦225,000.
Under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, the ₦70,000 wage is due for review every three years. Labour groups argue that inflation and declining purchasing power make a fresh review urgent.
