Federal Workers Begin Indefinite Strike in Oyo Over Unpaid Wage Awards
Workers Demand Payment of Five Months’ Outstanding Wages
Federal government workers in Nigeria commenced an indefinite strike in Oyo State on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, protesting the non-payment of their five months’ outstanding wage awards. The strike was declared by the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) at the Federal Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital.
Workers Vow to Continue Until Demands Are Met
The protesting workers have vowed to sustain the strike until the federal government addresses their grievances. According to the FWF’s National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, and Secretary General, Comrade Itoro Obong, the workers had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government before resorting to industrial action.
Key Demands of the Federal Workers
The workers are demanding:
- Immediate payment of five months’ outstanding wage award arrears.
- Implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance and payment of its arrears.
- Review of excessive taxation on federal workers’ salaries.
Peaceful Protest Despite Heavy Security Presence
Despite heavy security deployment, the first day of the strike was reportedly peaceful, with federal workers across the country joining the protest. The FWF leaders emphasized that the protest would continue indefinitely until their demands are met.
Workers Criticize Government Policies
The FWF leaders criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies, describing them as “anti-worker” and worsening economic hardship for federal employees. They called on the president to reconsider his approach to workers’ welfare.
Credit to the original source: Daily Post