RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has criticised the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for rejecting the Federal Government’s approved ₦70,000 monthly transport intervention for public sector workers, insisting that the union cannot overturn an agreement it did not negotiate.
Ajaero made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, following the TUC’s opposition to the six-month intervention intended to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs.
The labour leader maintained that the NLC independently negotiated the arrangement after the TUC declined to participate in the discussions that produced the agreement.
He argued that rather than rejecting the intervention, the TUC should pursue additional concessions from the government to improve workers’ welfare.
Ajaero said he would have preferred both labour organisations presenting separate demands, allowing the government to harmonise their proposals into a more comprehensive welfare package.
He also questioned the TUC’s position on minimum wage negotiations, maintaining that workers required immediate financial support amid worsening economic pressures.
The disagreement followed the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers across all salary levels, beginning in November 2026 and continuing for six months.
The agreement was reached during a conciliation meeting between government representatives and NLC leaders in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27.
However, TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Nuhu Toro rejected the intervention in a statement issued on Wednesday, describing temporary wage awards as inadequate and unsustainable.
The TUC maintained that the government should instead implement meaningful salary increases and broader economic measures capable of providing lasting relief to workers.
It also disclosed that it had previously communicated its position to the government and participated in separate consultations concerning workers’ welfare.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government and NLC agreed to establish a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee immediately, although disagreements remain over the effective date for implementing a revised national minimum wage.
The October 27 agreement also provides for the settlement of outstanding allowances owed to certain categories of public servants.
The disagreement between the two major labour organisations highlights their differing approaches to addressing workers’ economic difficulties, with the NLC supporting immediate temporary relief while the TUC advocates more permanent wage adjustments.
