Federal workers demand N300,000 minimum wage, N1.5m top salary

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has asked the Federal Government to raise the minimum wage for federal civil servants to N300,000 and increase the salary of the highest-ranking officers to N1.5 million.

The demand was contained in a letter dated September 2, 2026, addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, among other senior government officials.

Signed by the National Coordinator of the forum, Andrew Emelieze, and its General Secretary, Ogundele Ayodele, the letter was addressed to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives through the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation were also listed among the recipients.

The workers said the proposed salary adjustment had become necessary because the current wage structure no longer reflected the rising cost of living and the financial pressures confronting civil servants.

“We call for justice and immediate wage review now, adjust the federal minimum wage to N300,000 and a maximum wage of N1.5m for the Level 17 officers,” the forum said.

The FWF also accused the Federal Government of failing to fully implement the consequential adjustments and allowances associated with the N70,000 minimum wage approved in 2024.

According to the group, although the national minimum wage was raised from N30,000 to N70,000, federal workers across the various salary levels effectively received a uniform N40,000 increase.

The forum said it had continued to press for the full implementation of the wage agreement since 2024.

The workers argued that the three-year period before the next statutory review of the minimum wage should not stop the government from taking urgent action in response to the current economic hardship.

They cited escalating costs of food, transportation, rent, electricity, cooking gas and other basic necessities as evidence that the existing wage was no longer sufficient.

“It is suicidal for the federal workers to continue in this ugly situation,” the forum said, arguing that salaries should be adjusted immediately to reflect prevailing economic conditions.

The group further claimed that some federal employees were increasingly relying on microfinance institutions and digital loan platforms to meet basic expenses, including transportation to work.

It also alleged that some workers had resorted to using firewood because they could no longer afford cooking gas.

The FWF warned that prolonged financial hardship among civil servants could undermine productivity and create conditions that encourage corruption.

“While the Federal Government is making more money now, the federal workers are underpaid and subjected to unprecedented sufferings and hardship,” it said.

Under the salary structure proposed by the forum, a Level 1 Step 1 worker would earn N300,000 monthly, while Level 2 would receive N330,000 and Level 3 N360,000.

The proposed figures rise progressively, with Level 4 put at N390,000, Level 5 at N420,000, Level 6 at N450,000 and Level 7 at N480,000.

Level 8 workers would earn N510,000, Level 9 N550,000, Level 10 N600,000, Level 12 N700,000, Level 13 N750,000 and Level 14 N800,000.

The proposal places Level 15 at N1 million, Level 16 at N1.2 million and Level 17 at N1.5 million.

The forum said the N300,000 minimum was based on its estimate of workers’ monthly expenses, including feeding, transportation, accommodation, family responsibilities, electricity, cooking gas, telecommunications, water and other utilities.

It expressed confidence that the proposed wage structure could be accommodated within the government’s budget, citing increased revenue and earnings from crude oil.

Beyond the minimum wage, the workers demanded payment of outstanding salaries, promotion arrears and other entitlements owed by the Federal Government.

They also called for the payment of arrears of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, full implementation of the consequential adjustment arising from the 2024 minimum wage and the introduction of a permanent Cost of Living Allowance.

Other demands included a Family Support Allowance, an end to stagnation in the civil service, declaration of vacancies for promotions, comprehensive health insurance for workers and pensioners, housing and car loans, improved pension arrangements and long-service awards.

The forum further sought free education for children of federal workers and pensioners in federal institutions, as well as lower taxation on workers’ allowances and other tax relief measures.

It also urged the government to establish a broader social security system for unemployed and underemployed Nigerians and provide free medical treatment for children, pregnant women and elderly citizens.

On security, the FWF called for stronger action against kidnapping and other threats, including efforts to secure the release of abducted Nigerians.

The workers also asked the National Assembly to investigate reports that a portion of workers’ contributory pension savings was being borrowed by the executive.

“We are calling for investigations and an immediate stoppage cum refund if it is true,” the forum said.

The group additionally advocated the return of petrol subsidy, price controls on essential goods and services, increased local production and industrialisation, and measures to restore Nigerians’ declining purchasing power.

The FWF urged the National Assembly to take up the matter with the President, insisting that federal workers should not be required to wait until July 2027 for another salary review.

“Federal workers have suffered enough. It has been three years of torture, torment and agony for the federal workers since the removal of fuel subsidy,” the forum said.

It appealed to the lawmakers and other government officials to treat its proposals as an emergency intervention, arguing that better remuneration would improve workers’ welfare and strengthen their capacity to implement government policies effectively.