The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has formally addressed President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, calling for an urgent and substantial review of federal civil servants’ salaries. The union is demanding an immediate increase in the national minimum wage from N70,000 to N300,000.
In a letter dated September 2, 2026, signed by FWF National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, and General Secretary, Ogundele Ayodele, the forum also advocated for a maximum salary of N1.5 million for Level 17 officers. The correspondence was directed to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives via the Clerk of the National Assembly, with copies sent to President Tinubu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Citing Economic Hardship and Incomplete Implementation
The FWF’s demand stems from the assertion that the current wage structure no longer aligns with the harsh economic realities faced by federal workers. Furthermore, the forum claims that the N70,000 minimum wage, approved in 2024, has yet to be fully implemented, citing a lack of complete consequential adjustments and associated allowances.
“It will surprise you to hear that the Federal Government has not fully implemented the new national minimum wage since July 2024. We have been in the battle for full consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage,” the FWF stated in its letter, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for fair remuneration.
According to the workers, the 2024 wage review, which saw the minimum wage rise from N30,000 to N70,000, translated into a flat N40,000 increase across all levels of the federal civil service. “Only N40,000 was added to the salaries of every federal worker across all levels,” the forum highlighted, indicating a uniform raise that failed to account for varying salary scales and responsibilities.
Call for Justice and Equitable Compensation
The FWF’s latest demands underscore continuing disagreements over the practical implementation of the 2024 minimum wage and related allowances. The union reiterated its position, stating, “We call for justice and immediate wage review now, adjust the federal minimum wage to N300,000 and a maximum wage of N1.5 million for the Level 17 officers.”
The N70,000 minimum wage framework replaced the previous N30,000 benchmark following extensive negotiations between the Federal Government and organised labour. This framework is typically subject to review after a period of three years, making the FWF’s current call for an immediate and significant adjustment a pivotal moment in ongoing labour relations.