The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has called for an immediate reversal of the petrol price to N500 per litre and a minimum wage of N300,000 to alleviate the prevailing economic hardship in Nigeria. This demand was made in a statement signed by Mr. Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of FWF, on Tuesday in Abuja. The FWF also warned that it would join a proposed three-day warning strike if President Bola Tinubu failed to implement the N500 petrol price by October 1.
The FWF's demands followed an online general meeting of federal workers held on Sunday, where the forum unanimously endorsed the Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council's (JNPSNC) demand for the petrol pump price to be reduced to N500 per litre by September 30. The FWF also urged all federal workers to mobilize and prepare for any industrial action declared by labour leadership should the government fail to meet these demands.
On wages, Emelieze demanded an immediate review of federal workers' salaries to a minimum of N300,000 and a maximum of N1.5 million for Grade Level 17 officers. He added that the immediate review of federal workers' salaries would cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship. The FWF also called for the reinstatement of the wage award as a reasonable Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), insisting that payments must not be delayed.
The FWF expressed full support for labour's fight for a living wage, stating that federal workers and the Nigerian populace have suffered enough. Emelieze urged the JNPSNC to demand full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, effective from July 2024, including consequential adjustment arrears and the 40% peculiar allowance. He described it as illogical to discuss a new wage structure when the N70,000 minimum wage has not yet been fully implemented by the Federal Government.
Emelieze opposed moves to concession or privatize King's College, Lagos, and other federal unity colleges, urging the government to prioritize adequate funding for public education. He also criticized the Organised Private Sector (OPS) over its opposition to an immediate wage review for federal workers, describing its position as unfair to workers.
The FWF called for an immediate town hall meeting between federal workers and President Tinubu to discuss workers' demands and strategies for improving productivity. Emelieze emphasized that federal workers demand justice and a decent wage, not pity. The FWF's demands are aimed at addressing the economic hardship faced by federal workers and the Nigerian populace.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are expected to review their strategies for engaging the government on workers' welfare. Federal workers expect President Bola Tinubu's October 1 Independence Day broadcast to address the concerns raised by organised labour. Failure to do so may lead to a three-day warning strike proposed by labour.
Key points
- Federal workers demand petrol price reversal to N500 per litre and a minimum wage of N300,000.
- The FWF warns of a three-day warning strike if demands are not met by October 1.
- The FWF also demands full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and adequate funding for public education.
