The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has declared its full support for the planned nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), describing the action as a “national assignment” critical to the country’s survival.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Andrew Emelieze; Secretary-General, Comrade Ayo Ogundele; and Mobilisation Officer, Mr. Aliyu Ibrahim, the forum said federal workers are prepared to participate in the protest scheduled for 17 December and urged all Nigerians to join in solidarity.
“This protest is not for workers alone; it is a duty for our collective survival,” the statement said.
The forum cited worsening insecurity, poor governance, deteriorating public services and harsh economic conditions as the driving forces behind the planned action, warning that uncertainty and fear have become defining features of daily life in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is now like a state of nature; uncertainty and fear have become the hallmark of our daily lives. Governance has reached the lowest ebb, and we cannot continue to witness this pervasive hopelessness,” the FWF said.
The group criticised the federal government’s handling of public sector labour issues, noting that health workers remain unsupported, education is underfunded and many federal employees are still owed wage arrears.
The forum called on the federal government to immediately pay the outstanding three months’ wage arrears owed to federal workers since May 2023 and to clear all accumulated backlogs before the end of December 2025.
Mr. Emelieze also urged the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to join the protest, stressing the importance of unity within the labour movement in confronting the country’s challenges.
“It is necessary for the NLC and TUC to work together in solidarity to lead our people towards redemption,” the statement added.
As part of sustained protest actions, the forum proposed that workers wear black on Mondays as a symbol of dissatisfaction with the nation’s worsening socio-economic conditions.
