RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers, demanding permanent salary increases and the implementation of outstanding agreements with organised labour.
The union described the six-month intervention as inadequate to address the rising cost of living, insisting that Nigerian workers required sustainable improvements in their earnings.
The Federal Government announced the allowance on Tuesday following a conciliation meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with payments expected to begin in November 2026.
However, in a statement jointly signed by TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the congress outlined several reasons for opposing the arrangement.
Outstanding wage awards
The TUC accused the government of failing to fully implement the ₦40,000 wage award agreed with organised labour in October 2023.
According to the union, some workers remain owed outstanding payments, while others allegedly received nothing.
It questioned the reliability of another temporary intervention when previous commitments had not been completely fulfilled.
Demand for ₦300,000 salary
The congress proposed increasing the earnings of the lowest-paid federal worker from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, with corresponding adjustments for other salary grades.
It argued that the government could increase salaries without waiting for fresh national minimum wage negotiations.
The proposed ₦300,000 figure remains a union demand and has not been approved by the Federal Government.
Rising cost of living
The TUC maintained that temporary allowances would not provide lasting relief from increasing food, transportation, healthcare and other essential expenses.
It also expressed concern that economic hardship affected pensioners, private-sector employees, informal workers and state government personnel who might not benefit from the federal intervention.
The union called for broader measures to improve purchasing power, protect employment and ensure timely salary and pension payments.
Unfulfilled health workers’ agreement
The congress further accused the government of failing to implement an agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
It said adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure remained outstanding seven months after negotiations led to the suspension of industrial action.
The TUC demanded immediate implementation, adequate funding and a clear timetable for resolving the dispute.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners has also criticised its exclusion from the proposed transport allowance.
The TUC said it would await the outcome of further discussions with the Federal Government before deciding on its next course of action.
Its rejection does not automatically invalidate the arrangement reached between the government and the NLC.
