By Divine Sam
Federal government employees in Oyo State commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on Tuesday, protesting the non-payment of five months’ outstanding wage award arrears.
Operating under the banner of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), the striking workers gathered at the Federal Secretariat in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to formally declare the start of the industrial action.
FWF National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, and Secretary General, Comrade Itoro Obong, addressed the gathering, explaining that the strike followed a 21-day ultimatum earlier issued to the federal government with no response.
The workers are demanding immediate payment of the outstanding wage awards, full implementation of the 40% peculiar allowance along with its arrears, and a review of what they describe as excessive taxation on their already meager wages.
“As earlier resolved, federal workers across Nigeria have commenced an indefinite protest from today, April 22, 2025, to demand justice and fair treatment,” Emelieze stated. “Despite heavy security presence, Day 1 of the protest was peaceful, with workers occupying federal secretariats across the country.”
The union leaders criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for policies they say have worsened the economic situation of workers, describing them as anti-labour and insensitive to the welfare of public servants.
The strike will continue indefinitely until the federal government meets their demands, the FWF insisted.
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