Federal civil servants in the Pace Setter State (Oyo), brought activities at the Federal Secretariat in Ikolaba, Ibadan, to a halt on Wednesday, as they began an indefinite protest against the non-payment of wage awards and other entitlements.
The protesting workers, under the banner of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), arrived early and locked both entrances to the Secretariat, effectively barring other staff and visitors from entering the premises. With placards in hand and chants of solidarity, the demonstrators expressed deep frustration over what they described as prolonged neglect by the federal government.
Leading the protest was Comrade Andrew Emelieze, National Coordinator of the FWF, who stated that the workers are demanding the immediate settlement of five months’ outstanding wage awards, full implementation of the 40 percent peculiar allowance, and a review of what they described as an unfair tax burden on already modest salaries.
Emelieze recalled that a 21-day ultimatum had earlier been issued to the government, warning of a possible shutdown if their concerns were not addressed. With no action taken, the workers said they had no choice but to proceed with the protest.
The group is also urging the federal government to review the national minimum wage upward and introduce a cost-of-living allowance for all public sector workers, citing economic hardship and rising inflation as reasons for their demands.
