RismadarVoice Reporters
October 30, 2026
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for rejecting a proposed ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers, while the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has demanded equal participation in negotiations over a new national minimum wage.
NLC President Joe Ajaero defended the six-month intervention during an interview on Channels Television, describing it as temporary relief for workers struggling with rising transportation costs and worsening economic conditions.
Ajaero said organised labour had secured the proposal after sustained pressure on the Federal Government, including the threat of industrial action.
He questioned the TUC’s opposition, arguing that the union should pursue improved benefits for its members rather than reject an arrangement negotiated by the NLC.
According to him, the proposed allowance could provide immediate support while discussions continue on a more sustainable wage structure.
Ajaero maintained that the six-month intervention should not expire without a replacement arrangement reflecting prevailing economic realities.
He also stressed that future negotiations must consider rising costs of food, transportation, accommodation and other essential needs.
The TUC had expressed reservations about the proposal, although its detailed response to Ajaero’s latest remarks was not available in the account.
Meanwhile, NECA insisted that organised private-sector employers must be fully represented in negotiations concerning the national minimum wage.
In a separate statement, the association acknowledged the financial pressures facing Nigerian workers but argued that wage determination must follow a tripartite process involving government, employers and labour representatives.
NECA cited relevant International Labour Organisation conventions and recommendations supporting consultation and social dialogue in wage-setting processes.
The employers’ association maintained that agreements reached exclusively between the Federal Government and labour unions could not automatically be treated as negotiated commitments by private-sector employers who were excluded from the discussions.
However, it clarified that employers remained legally obligated to comply with any national minimum wage validly established under Nigerian law.
NECA said its position should not be interpreted as opposition to wage increases, but as a demand for transparent, inclusive and evidence-based negotiations.
The association argued that sustainable wage agreements must consider both workers’ welfare and the financial realities confronting businesses.
The disagreement highlights differing positions among labour organisations and employers over how immediate financial relief should be negotiated and how future wage adjustments should be determined.
While the NLC is defending the proposed transport allowance, NECA is seeking assurances that any broader minimum wage settlement will involve all legally recognised stakeholders.
The implementation terms of the six-month allowance, including its beneficiaries, payment arrangements and commencement date, remain important details requiring official clarification.
