The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has raised concerns over the discontinuation of the N35,000 wage award promised by the Federal Government to alleviate the economic impacts stemming from the fuel subsidy removal.
Allegations surfaced on Thursday, asserting that the government had fulfilled payment for only one out of the six months initially pledged to the workers.
Comrade Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of FWF, conveyed these grievances in a statement provided to newsmen. Emelieze highlighted the challenges faced by workers since the removal of the fuel subsidy, emphasizing that the stagnant minimum wage of N30,000 per month has failed to match the soaring prices of essential commodities. He cited the example of a bag of rice, which now exceeds N60,000.
“Federal Government workers nationwide have been grappling with hardships since the elimination of the petroleum subsidy. Our take-home pay has been rendered inadequate due to the crisis of rising living costs and the continuous devaluation of our currency. Despite salaries remaining static, the cost of goods and services has tripled,” Emelieze expressed.
Expressing disappointment, Emelieze noted, “We are dismayed to learn that the paltry N35,000 wage relief promised by the federal government to cushion the effects of the economic crisis triggered by the subsidy removal has been terminated prematurely. The government fulfilled payment for only one month out of the initially committed six months.”
“We, the federal government workers, feel disillusioned by the government’s actions. Our employer’s treatment has been unjust and lacking in fidelity towards us. As citizens, we deserve fair compensation for our work. The federal workers perceive this as a breach of trust,” Emelieze added.
Emelieze further highlighted financial hardships faced by civil servants, underscoring delayed salaries, obstructed wage disbursements, and pending promotion arrears as prevailing concerns within the workforce.
The discontent among federal workers persists as they grapple with economic uncertainties amidst stagnant wages and a marked increase in the cost of living, prompting a call for immediate redressal of these pressing issues.
