Federal workers under the aegis of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) have backed the demand by organised labour for a reduction in the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, warning that they are prepared to participate in a three-day warning strike if the Federal Government fails to meet the demand.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued on Tuesday following an online general meeting of the forum held on Sunday.

The statement was signed by the FWF National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, and its General Secretary, Comrade Ogundele Ayodele.

The workers said they unanimously supported the call by the Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council (JNPSNC) for petrol to be reduced to N500 per litre by September 30, 2026.

They also demanded corresponding reductions in the prices of kerosene, diesel and cooking gas.

The forum urged federal workers to mobilise for any industrial action declared by labour leaders should the government fail to address the demands, while calling on Nigerians to support organised labour's campaign for lower fuel prices.

On workers' welfare, the FWF demanded the immediate reinstatement of the wage award in the form of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), saying payment should not be delayed as, according to the forum, had happened previously.

It also called on the JNPSNC to demand full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, including consequential adjustment arrears and the 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

The forum argued that discussing a new wage structure would be premature while the existing N70,000 minimum wage had not been fully implemented by the Federal Government.

Beyond the minimum wage, the FWF demanded an immediate review of federal workers' salaries to between N300,000 and N1.5 million for Level 17 officers, citing the rising cost of living and economic hardship.

The forum also criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, describing it as a policy that had worsened living conditions. It disputed the government's position on the existence of subsidy and accused the government of using fuel price increases as an indirect means of taxation and revenue generation.

On education, the workers opposed moves to concession or privatise federal unity colleges, particularly King's College, Lagos, urging the Federal Government to continue funding public schools as part of its constitutional responsibilities.

The FWF also criticised politicians who have questioned the N70,000 minimum wage and rejected opposition from the Organised Private Sector to an immediate review of federal workers' salaries.

The forum called on the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to review their strategies for negotiating with government over workers' welfare.

It also urged TUC President, Festus Osifo, to focus on workers' concerns and refrain from actions it alleged could deepen the crisis within the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria.

The FWF further called for an immediate town hall meeting between federal workers and President Bola Tinubu to discuss workers' welfare and ways of improving productivity.

It also appealed to the United Nations to consider the alleged systemic exploitation of workers and payment of what it described as starvation wages in Nigeria as a matter requiring international attention.