The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has announced plans for a nationwide peaceful protest scheduled to begin at 8:00 AM on Monday, July 7, 2025, across all federal secretariats in Nigeria. The demonstration is in solidarity with the group’s National Coordinator, who is currently being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a circular issued on Sunday, July 6 and signed by the Forum’s National Secretary, Comrade (Pharm.) Itoro Obong, the group described the detention as “unlawful” and politically motivated. The FWF insists the Coordinator is being punished for simply demanding justice and fair treatment for federal workers in the country.
“This protest is not just about one man’s detention, it is about years of silence, neglect, and injustice suffered by federal workers. Our Coordinator has done nothing but speak up against these systemic issues,” the statement read.
The group reiterated a list of six core demands it believes the federal government has continuously failed to address. These include the full implementation of the new national minimum wage, a 30% cost of living allowance (COLA), and payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2021.
They also demanded the immediate settlement of peculiar allowances and wage reviews in sectors such as health and federal teaching institutions, the resolution of salary delays in tertiary institutions, and the full payment of outstanding wage awards.
At the heart of their protest is the belief that the average Nigerian federal worker continues to live under poor conditions despite promises of reform. “Federal workers deserve a living wage—not a slave wage,” the Forum stated, echoing the growing frustrations across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
While protests will hold simultaneously in various states, the Forum noted that members in Ibadan will march directly to the DSS Office to demand the immediate release of their Coordinator.
The protest is expected to draw attention not only from civil servants but also from labour unions, rights groups, and concerned citizens who view the situation as emblematic of wider issues facing the Nigerian workforce.
