“Federal Employees Warn of Countrywide Protests Over Salary Arrears and Health Sector Strike”

Nigeria’s Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has issued a stern ultimatum to the federal government, warning of nationwide protests and solidarity strikes if urgent action is not taken to resolve unpaid wage arrears and address the demands of striking health workers.

In a statement on January 12, 2026, FWF leaders said federal employees are facing severe financial hardship caused by delayed or unpaid salaries, poor working conditions, and government policies they describe as hostile. The statement was signed by National Coordinator Comrade Andrew Emelieze and General Secretary Comrade Ogundelle Ayo.

The forum criticized the Tinubu administration for what it called a “declaration of war” on workers, accusing it of ignoring longstanding agreements and failing to pay wage award arrears dating back to April 2023. Many workers have yet to receive their December 2025 pay, compounding hardship amid rising inflation and economic pressures.

The FWF also voiced strong support for the ongoing industrial action by health sector unions, including doctors, condemning the government’s “no work, no pay” policy as unfair and counterproductive. The group argued that restraining industrial action through the courts undermines workers’ rights and reflects a government more focused on suppression than dialogue.

Beyond the health crisis, the forum said federal workers now face worse conditions than three years ago, forcing many into loans just to survive. It warned that if the government does not meet health sector demands within seven days, federal workers will launch indefinite nationwide protests and solidarity strikes, potentially occupying federal offices and secretariats.

The group also called on major labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to join in an indefinite strike if the government fails to act by January 19, 2026.