Government employees to stage demonstration regarding salary assessment on Monday

The Federal Workers Forum has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on Monday, demanding a swift review of workers' wages and improved welfare, as stated by National Coordinator Mr Andrew Emelieze in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

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This decision was made following an emergency online meeting of federal workers from across the country, which prompted the forum to take action, according to Emelieze.

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The planned protest is expected to be peaceful, with simultaneous demonstrations held at federal secretariats nationwide, including the picketing of selected government institutions, Emelieze noted.

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As a symbol of protest against insecurity and economic hardship, federal workers have been encouraged to wear black attire every Monday, Emelieze said, emphasizing the need for collective action to draw attention to workers' plight.

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Emelieze stated that many federal workers have yet to fully benefit from the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government, prompting the need for urgent action.

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The non-payment of outstanding wage award balance, promotion arrears, 40 per cent peculiar allowance, and other entitlements owed to federal workers was also lamented by Emelieze, who called for immediate payment.

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Emelieze demanded that the government immediately pay the outstanding wage award balance, fully disburse the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, and clear all promotion arrears owed to federal workers.

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The current minimum wage of N70,000 was described as inadequate by Emelieze, who called for an urgent review to reflect the rising cost of living, stating that continuing to pay this wage under current economic realities is unacceptable.

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Emelieze urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and secure the release of kidnapped children in Oyo State and other victims nationwide, calling for immediate action.

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The Federal Government was also urged to immediately secure the release of the kidnapped children in Oyo State and all other citizens being held captive across the country, Emelieze said.

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Emelieze further called for the introduction of a Cost of Living Allowance for workers or the immediate resumption of wage award payments, as well as the provision of free education for the children of federal workers in federal institutions.

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A functional car loan scheme was also advocated for by Emelieze, who urged the government to establish such a scheme to support federal workers.

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Additionally, Emelieze called for the introduction of a special family support allowance to help civil servants meet their family responsibilities amid prevailing economic challenges.

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The government was also urged to reduce or remove tariffs on essential goods and services to ease the burden on citizens and improve living conditions, Emelieze said.

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Emelieze expressed concern over the silence of organised labour on issues affecting workers and the general populace, calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to take action.

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Emelieze specifically called on the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to immediately declare a two-day national strike and protest against insecurity and hardship in the country.