The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has sounded the alarm over the discontinuation of the N35,000 wage awarded to workers by the Federal Government to mitigate the economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal. According to the workers, the government has fulfilled only one month out of the promised six-month compensation.
In a statement released by the National Coordinator of FWF, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, the workers expressed their hardship since the fuel subsidy removal, citing the stagnant minimum wage at N30,000 per month, while the cost of living continues to surge. Emelieze highlighted that prices have tripled, with a bag of rice now exceeding N60,000.
“Federal Government workers nationwide have been enduring challenging times since the elimination of the petroleum subsidy. Our take-home pay has been rendered insignificant due to the escalating cost of living crisis and the constant devaluation of our naira. Salaries have remained stagnant while the prices of goods and services have tripled during this period.
“We are dismayed to learn that the meager N35,000 wage award reluctantly granted to federal workers by the government to alleviate the effects of the economic crisis resulting from the subsidy removal has been halted. The government fulfilled only one month out of the promised six months.
“We, the federal government workers, feel betrayed by our employer. We have been treated unfairly and unfaithfully. We have not been accorded the value we deserve. As citizens, we are not beggars, and we are entitled to a fair wage. Federal workers feel deceived.
“Civil servants are facing financial hardships. The minimum wage has remained at N30,000 monthly while the prices of everything continue to rise, with a bag of rice now costing over N60,000.
“Regrettably, it is during this period that salary payments are delayed, some workers are being deprived of their salaries, and promotion arrears remain unpaid,” he expressed