The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has expressed frustration over the Federal Government’s delay in paying the remaining three months’ arrears of the wage award, warning of a possible mass protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) if the issue is not urgently addressed.
In a press statement signed by the National Secretary, Pharm. (Comrade) Itoro Obong, the forum said information from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) indicated that the government was not yet prepared to commence payment of the outstanding arrears.
“This development contradicts the government’s earlier nationwide statement issued in April, in which it was announced that the wage award would be paid over five successive months,” the statement said.
Obong noted that since April, only two months had been paid, describing the situation as “unacceptable” given the current economic hardship faced by workers.
He called on the Federal Government to expedite the payment of the outstanding arrears, adding that “the continued delay is testing the patience of Nigerian workers who are already burdened by the rising cost of living.”
Accompanying the statement, a public campaign poster by the forum carried bold inscriptions such as “Federal Workers Are Not Beggars,” “Honour Agreements, Pay What Is Owed,” and “Pay Now or Face Mass Protest in FCT.”
The message also urged the government to fulfil its ₦35,000 wage award promise with hashtags including #PayFederalWorkersNow, #FulfillThe35KPromise, and #NoToBrokenPromises.
The forum advised members to disregard rumours of imminent payment until official confirmation is made, assuring that it will continue to engage relevant authorities until all arrears are cleared.
