TUC Rejects ₦70,000 Transport Allowance, Demands ₦300,000 Minimum Salary for Lowest-Paid Workers

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

According to Punch on Wednesday, the labour union described the proposed transport allowance as a temporary and inadequate measure that would not provide lasting relief for Nigerian workers facing rising costs of food, transportation, housing and other essential goods and services.

The TUC made its position known in a statement signed by its President-General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Comrade N. A. Toro.

According to the union, the government should introduce a permanent salary increase rather than rely on temporary financial assistance to address the economic difficulties facing workers across the country.

The congress also called for corresponding salary adjustments for workers on other salary grades to ensure fairness and improve their living conditions.

The TUC argued that the Federal Government does not need to wait for the conclusion of national minimum wage negotiations before increasing workers’ salaries, noting that there is no law in Nigeria setting a maximum wage.

The union pointed out that some state governments had already increased their minimum wages to more than ₦100,000, arguing that the Federal Government could also raise the salary of its lowest-paid worker to ₦300,000 and make appropriate adjustments across other grades.

The TUC further urged governments at all levels to take practical steps to reduce the prices of essential goods and services, ensure the timely payment of salaries and pensions, protect existing jobs and address exploitative labour practices.

The congress said it was awaiting the outcome of a scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next course of action.

However, it stressed that all lawful options remained open if the government failed to address its concerns.

The union reaffirmed that workers’ welfare must be treated as a priority, adding that agreements reached with organised labour should be honoured and workers’ rights respected.

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