N70,000 Support For Federal Staff Sparks Demand Among State Workers

By Adegwu John, Abuja; Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse; Attah Anthony, Jalingo; Richard Ndoma, Calabar; Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu; Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja; Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan; Okem Green Mbah, Yenagoa; Emmanuel Mgbeahurike, Owerri; Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt; Felix Igbekoyi, Asaba; Francis Okoye, Maiduguri; Damilola Origbemisuyi, Akure; Joshua Dada, Osogbo; Alo Abiola, Ekiti; Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin; Aza Msue, Makurdi; and Babaji Usman Babaji, Gombe

The federal government’s approval of a N70,000 monthly transport allowance for its workers has sparked demands by state labour unions and employees for similar support from their respective governments amid rising transport fares and the cost of living.

While some state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said they would await directives from their national headquarters before approaching their governments, others insisted that state and local government workers should also benefit from the intervention.

Workers in several states have also urged their governments to extend the allowance to them, arguing that the economic hardship affecting federal employees is no different from what they face.

However, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the proposed allowance, demanding an immediate salary increase and insisting that the minimum pay of the lowest-paid federal worker should rise from N70,000 to N300,000.

The federal government approved the six-month transport intervention at a meeting with the NLC leadership in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Payments are scheduled to begin in November.

The agreement also provides for payment of arrears of the approved peculiar allowance in three equal monthly instalments, beginning in November. Both parties further agreed to constitute the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee immediately, although they disagreed over the effective date for implementing the outcome of the negotiations.

North-West: Kaduna, Jigawa Labour Unions Await Further Action

The NLC in Kaduna State has expressed its intention to seek a similar transport allowance from the state government but is awaiting an official directive from its national headquarters.

The state chairman, Ayuba Suleiman Magaji, confirmed this to LEADERSHIP on Wednesday when asked whether the union would approach Governor Uba Sani’s administration.

“Yes, but we are awaiting an official letter from our national headquarters,” he said.

In Jigawa State, the NLC chairman, Sunusi Alhassa, described the proposed allowance as a step towards further negotiations on workers’ remuneration.

He said the intervention would not deter the union from pursuing salary increases and lower fuel prices, adding that the state council was monitoring developments and would await the national headquarters’ position.

North-East: Borno, Gombe Unions Consider Next Steps

The NLC in Borno State said it would demand the implementation of the transport allowance for state and local government workers once the federal government began paying its employees.

The state chairman, Yusuf Inuwa, said the union expected state and local government authorities to adopt the arrangement reached by the national leadership.

“What we are doing is that we are waiting for the federal government to implement the N70,000 transport allowance for workers. Once it is done at the federal level, we will demand its implementation at the state and local government levels,” he said.

Inuwa acknowledged that some states might face financial constraints in paying the full amount, adding that labour unions could negotiate with the relevant authorities on an affordable arrangement.

In Gombe State, the NLC chairman, Yusuf Bello, said the union would assess the state government’s response to the Federal Government’s call for other administrations to consider extending the intervention to their workers.

“Our position is that further steps could be considered depending on the government’s response to the Federal Government’s directive,” he said.

North-Central: Kogi, Kwara Workers Push for Allowance

Workers in Kogi State have urged their labour unions to demand a N70,000 monthly transport allowance from the state government.

A state government worker, Musa Shehu, told LEADERSHIP in Lokoja that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo would likely consider the demand if the unions formally presented it.

He cited the state’s approval of a minimum wage above the Federal Government’s N70,000 benchmark as evidence of the administration’s willingness to improve workers’ welfare.

“The governor will be willing to do it if the unions approach him. The governor was the first to approve a minimum wage higher than the Federal Government’s N70,000,” Shehu said.

An executive member of a labour union in the state, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the unions were prepared to push for the allowance.

“Yes, we are going to press for it. You can see the hardship in the land. Transport fares are increasing in Lokoja. The N70,000 will go a long way in cushioning the suffering of workers and their families,” the official said.

Similarly, the NLC in Kwara State said it would demand the allowance once it received the official circular from its national headquarters.

The state chairman, Saheed Muritala, told LEADERSHIP in Ilorin: “It is mandatory for us to demand the transport palliative approved for federal workers. As soon as we receive the circular from the NLC national secretariat, we shall engage the state government on the issue.”

In Benue State, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bemdoo Ugber, called on state and local governments to implement the allowance.

He said the removal of the fuel subsidy had increased transportation, food and accommodation costs, placing pressure on workers and their families.

“While the initiative is a welcome step towards cushioning the effects of economic hardship, it is important to emphasise that the rising cost of living continues to erode workers’ purchasing power,” he said.

Ugber called for sustained dialogue between the government, organised labour and other stakeholders to improve workers’ welfare, stabilise prices and restore public confidence in the economy.

South-East: Imo to Demand N70,000, Enugu TUC Wants N300,000 Minimum Wage

The NLC in Imo State has said it will formally demand a N70,000 monthly transport allowance from Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The state chairman, Chigemezu Nwigwe, told LEADERSHIP that workers needed additional support because transport costs had tripled since the removal of the fuel subsidy.

He said workers commuting from Egbu, Ihiagwa and Obinze to the state secretariat now spend more than N2,500 daily on transportation.

“Federal workers are not the only ones buying fuel at N1,200. If the Federal Government has agreed to pay its workers N70,000 for transport, the Imo State Government must do likewise. We cannot have two classes of workers in one economy,” he said.

Nwigwe said the state NLC executive council would write formally to the governor during the week and meet the state chapter of the TUC to present a joint demand.

Although Imo was among the first states to implement the N70,000 minimum wage in 2024, he said inflation and rising transport costs had eroded its value.

He urged the government to extend the proposed support to local government workers, primary school teachers and pensioners, whom he described as particularly affected by the economic situation.

“Our position is simple: what is good for federal workers is also good for state workers. The governor has always made it known that Imo State has received increased FAAC allocations, which rose to more than N25 billion last month. He should therefore show empathy. We will not accept any excuse,” Nwigwe said.

In Enugu State, the TUC chairman, Enwerem Alexander Chima, said the union was still verifying reports on the Federal Government’s approval.

He said labour was demanding higher salaries, insisting that the minimum pay of any worker should not be below N300,000.

“Definitely, because the news is just coming up and we want to confirm its authenticity. But we all go to the same market and use the same transport system,” he said.

Chima added that the union would consider making a formal demand once it confirmed the details of the Federal Government’s decision.

South-West: Mixed Reactions in Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti

Workers and labour leaders in the South-West have expressed mixed reactions to the transport allowance, with some welcoming the proposed relief while others questioned its adequacy and sustainability.

Oyo: Existing Support Reportedly Increased

Public servants in federal establishments in Oyo State have welcomed the approved allowance, describing it as relief amid rising fuel prices and commuting costs.

Adedamola Olatunji, a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Works, said the intervention was necessary but expressed concern over the payment mechanism and exact disbursement dates.

Meanwhile, reports emerged on Wednesday that the Oyo State Government had increased its existing monthly transport support from N10,000 to N25,000.

State workers were also said to be receiving periodic renewals of transport support and wage awards. At the time of filing this report, they were not demanding a N70,000 monthly allowance from Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

The Oyo State coordinator of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights, Abiodun Bamigboye, said the Federal Government’s intervention would provide some relief if implemented but would not substantially address the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal, currency devaluation and the commercialisation of social services.

He called for lower petrol prices and the rehabilitation of the country’s four public refineries to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

“Therefore, to resolve the hardship faced by workers today requires an immediate reversal of the current price of petrol to N197, which was the pump price before the removal of the so-called subsidy,” he said.

Bamigboye also called for the prosecution of Nigerians indicted in subsidy-related fraud cases and the recovery of looted funds for investment in public services, including education and healthcare.

A civil servant in Oyo State, Adenrele Olawale, expressed concern about possible payment delays and whether state and local governments would adopt the allowance.

Traders Bolanle Adewole and Olaniyan Ajayi described cash palliatives as a “band-aid” solution, calling for lasting reforms to reduce fuel prices and control the cost of goods and services.

Public analyst Oladele Ogunsola, however, welcomed the intervention and urged state governments to introduce similar support, even if they could not afford the full amount.

He also called for greater investment in mass transit to ensure that the wider population benefited from efforts to reduce transport costs.

Ondo: Workers Welcome Support, Fear Delays

Federal workers in Ondo State have welcomed the allowance but urged the government to ensure prompt payment.

Hosea Olusegun, a federal worker, said transport expenses consumed almost half of his earnings, leaving him struggling to meet other obligations.

“I really appreciate the Federal Government for that initiative. Personally, I spend almost 50 per cent of my earnings on transportation alone, which has made things a bit difficult for me. But now, with this N70,000 transportation benefit, it will go a long way in helping me,” he said.

Another worker, Ayodeji Ayoola, said the allowance would increase his disposable income and improve his standard of living.

However, a worker identified simply as Mrs Dolapo expressed concern that the intervention might suffer the same delays as previous government commitments.

“Yes, I am happy. But my fear is that the money shouldn’t be audio money. This is not the first time the government has made a promise, and there have been many instances in which it has failed to fulfil its promises, especially regarding the payment of arrears. So, I just pray the government fulfils this one,” she said.

Osun: TUC Says Allowance Inadequate

The TUC in Osun State has criticised the proposed allowance, arguing that it would not adequately compensate workers for higher petroleum product prices and the cost of living.

The state chairman, Abimbola Fasasi, said the priority should be a minimum wage that reflects prevailing economic realities.

“I am disappointed at the development because I believe that the amount is too meagre to alleviate the suffering workers are going through. It is not sufficient to compensate for the high cost of living we are battling.

“I think we should be talking about a realistic minimum wage now,” he said.

Fasasi argued that reducing petroleum product prices could provide broader relief, adding that a living wage should be pursued if fuel prices could not be reduced.

A federal civil servant in Osogbo, Bolanle Adewoye, also described the proposed allowance as inadequate and called for a living wage alongside measures to reduce fuel prices.

Ekiti: Workers Want State to Follow Suit

Civil servants in Ekiti State have urged the state government to consider a N70,000 monthly transport allowance, arguing that workers face similar economic challenges regardless of their employer.

A civil servant identified simply as Mr Adeniyi acknowledged that the state government provided shuttle buses for workers but said additional cash support would help them meet other household needs.

“At this critical time, it is only fair to consider all workers, irrespective of where they work, for such support,” he said.

Another public servant, Mrs Adedoja, said the rising cost of goods and services affected federal and state workers alike.

“It will be good if state workers are also considered for the allowance. When you go to the market to buy any item, the seller will not ask whether you are a federal worker or a state government employee before deciding to sell it to you at a lower price,” she said.

South-South: Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa Seek Wider Coverage

The NLC chairman in Rivers State, Alex Agwuonwu, said the agreement reached between the union’s national leadership and the Federal Government covered workers across the country.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, he argued that state and federal civil servants faced similar economic challenges.

“There is no difference between federal civil servants and state civil servants. Whatever was agreed between labour and the Federal Government covers all workers in the country,” he said.

In Delta State, the NLC chairman, Goodluck Ofobruku, said the union would approach the state government over the allowance after receiving the official circular from its national headquarters.

He told LEADERSHIP in Asaba that the government had been cooperative in its dealings with workers.

“No doubt, the government will carry us along. The same government just approved a 13th-month salary for workers. Definitely, we shall approach the government. The state government has been cooperating with us. Let us get the circular first,” he said.

Ofobruku said the proposed 13th-month salary would cost the state about N16 billion and cover workers’ gross salaries, including applicable allowances and other benefits.

He said the payment would help workers meet expenses such as school fees and rent during the festive season and in January, while boosting purchasing power.

In Bayelsa State, the NLC chairman, Barnabas Simon, called for the extension of the transport allowance to state and local government workers, arguing that the economic hardship affected employees across all levels of government.

He said the issue was among those discussed at a recent meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council.

Simon argued that the value of the N70,000 minimum wage had been eroded by rising transport fares, rents, school fees and other living expenses.

“The N70,000 minimum wage, which was insignificant from inception, has also been further reduced. Its value cannot be commensurate with the economic realities in the country,” he said.

He added that Bayelsa workers should not be excluded from the proposed allowance.

“Our case cannot be exceptional. Is the economy treating us differently from other state workers? The same should be applicable to Bayelsa; we are just waiting to see how we can kick-start the process,” he said.

Simon also called for early negotiations on a new minimum wage expected to be implemented in 2027, warning that delays could prolong the process.

TUC Rejects Allowance, Demands N300,000 Minimum Pay

The TUC has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 transport allowance, demanding an immediate salary increase and the implementation of outstanding agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

In a statement signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N. A. Toro, the congress said temporary wage awards could not adequately address workers’ economic hardship.

It said it had communicated its position to the Federal Government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, following a meeting of its National Administrative Council in Abuja.

According to the TUC, subsequent consultations with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, did not change its position on the need for an immediate salary review.

The congress argued that the government did not need to negotiate a new national minimum wage before increasing salaries, noting that there was no law prescribing a maximum wage.

It proposed raising the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker from N70,000 to N300,000, with corresponding adjustments across other salary grades.

The TUC said some states had already raised their minimum wages above N100,000 and urged the Federal Government to increase workers’ pay while negotiations on a new national minimum wage continued.

“Salary increases, not temporary and haphazard measures, are what workers need,” the statement said.

The congress also called on governments at all levels to introduce measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, pay salaries and pensions promptly, protect existing jobs, curb exploitative labour practices and revive the productive sector to create decent employment.

TUC Accuses FG of Breaching JOHESU Agreement

The TUC also accused the Federal Government of failing to honour its agreement with JOHESU seven months after the health sector unions suspended their industrial action.

It said Osifo had led organised labour’s efforts to resolve the dispute, culminating in a conciliation meeting at the office of the Minister of Labour and Employment, where government and labour representatives signed an agreement.

According to the congress, the agreement provided for the resolution of outstanding issues relating to adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

However, the TUC said the adjustment remained unimplemented despite JOHESU suspending its strike in good faith.

It described the delay as a breach of trust that undermined collective bargaining and demanded immediate implementation of the agreement, a clear compliance timetable, adequate budgetary provisions and consultations with the affected unions.

The congress warned that health workers should not be expected to continue providing essential services while the government failed to fulfil its commitments.