TUC rejects FG’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance, demands ₦300,000 pay for lowest-paid worker

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public workers, demanding an immediate salary increase that would raise the pay of the lowest-paid federal worker to ₦300,000.

The union’s position followed the Federal Government’s announcement of a six-month transport support package for public service workers, scheduled to begin in November 2026, after a conciliation meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, and signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary, Nuhu Toro, the TUC said temporary wage awards were neither sustainable nor far-reaching enough to address the economic difficulties facing workers.

The congress said it had communicated its position to the Federal Government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, submitted through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to the union, the government could increase the salary of its lowest-paid worker from the current ₦70,000 minimum wage to ₦300,000, with corresponding adjustments for other salary levels.

It argued that the government did not need to wait for another national minimum wage negotiation before increasing workers’ earnings, noting that there was no legal ceiling preventing it from raising salaries.

The TUC also questioned the government’s record in implementing an earlier wage award agreed with organised labour in October 2023.

It said some workers were still owed one or two months of the previous ₦40,000 wage award, while others either received payments irregularly or did not benefit from the arrangement.

The congress further claimed that more than 80 per cent of states and employers in the informal sector did not implement the previous wage award.

It therefore questioned why workers should trust another temporary payment arrangement when earlier commitments had not been fully honoured.

Beyond salary increases, the TUC called on governments at all levels to introduce measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, protect existing jobs and strengthen productive sectors of the economy.

The union also demanded the implementation of outstanding commitments to the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

It said the agreement reached to resolve the health workers’ industrial action had remained unimplemented seven months after the settlement, despite the unions suspending their strike in good faith.

The TUC called for immediate implementation of the agreement, a clear timetable, adequate budgetary provisions and resolution of the outstanding issues.

The congress said it would await the outcome of its scheduled engagement with the Federal Government before deciding on its next course of action.

The Federal Government’s transport allowance followed discussions with the NLC and is intended to provide temporary relief to public service workers amid rising living costs. The proposed payment is separate from the TUC’s demand for a permanent salary increase.