Federal Workers Demand Bulk Wage Payment, Reject N70,000 Minimum Wage Proposal
By Exponent News Akure 7th May 2025
The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has urged the Federal Government to make a one-off bulk payment of ₦175,000 to clear outstanding five-month wage award arrears, while also rejecting the proposed ₦70,000 minimum wage and calling for immediate implementation of a cost-of-living allowance.
In a press statement signed by National Coordinator Comrade Andrew Emelieze and other forum leaders, the FWF 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 but criticized the phased monthly disbursement. The forum argued that a lump-sum payment of ₦175,000 would be more impactful and just, given the prolonged delay.
“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,” the statement read.
On the Issue of Cost of Living Allowance and Rejection of the ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Proposal: The forum strongly opposed the proposed ₦70,000 minimum wage, calling it inadequate amid escalating living costs. It demanded that the government commence payment of 50% of basic salary as a cost-of-living allowance (COLA), even as negotiations for a new national minimum wage continue.
Payment of Promotion and Sectoral Arrears: FWF further demanded immediate payment of all outstanding promotion arrears for federal workers, especially those from 2023 onward. It also 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.
