TUC Rejects FG’s ₦70,000 Transport Allowance ​

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance, insisting that workers need a permanent salary increase rather than temporary financial relief.

NEWSFLASHERNGR reports that the congress made its position known in a statement signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N. A. Toro.

The union also accused the Federal Government of failing to honour an agreement reached with health workers.

The TUC’s reaction came less than 24 hours after the government announced the transport allowance following discussions with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

According to the congress, there is no legal obstacle preventing the government from increasing workers’ salaries immediately, even as discussions on a new national minimum wage continue.

The union said it had communicated its position to the government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, following a National Administrative Council meeting in Abuja. It added that the same position was maintained during subsequent engagements with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The statement explained that the government did not need to conclude negotiations on a new minimum wage before increasing workers’ salaries, as there was no law setting a maximum wage in the country.

The TUC proposed increasing the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, with corresponding adjustments for other grade levels. It noted that some states already pay minimum wages above ₦100,000.

“While it is good to negotiate minimum wage which will affect other cadre of workers, FGN must raise wage level immediately as there are no law or historical practices stopping it from doing so,” the statement read.

The congress added that it had consistently opposed the introduction of another wage award during consultations with the government.

It maintained that negotiations for a new national minimum wage should not be used as a reason to delay an immediate salary increase.

The TUC also referred to the ₦40,000 wage award agreed upon in October 2023, claiming that the arrangement was never fully implemented.

According to the union, some workers did not receive payments for one or two months, while others reportedly received nothing. It also complained that payments were irregular.

The congress further claimed that more than 80 per cent of states and workers in the informal sector did not benefit from any wage award.

Beyond salary increases, the TUC urged governments to take steps to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, ensure the timely payment of salaries and pensions, protect jobs, end exploitative labour practices and strengthen local production.

The congress also accused the Federal Government of failing to implement an agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) seven months ago.

It recalled that the agreement, signed by the Ministers of Labour, Health and Finance following labour’s intervention, provided for an adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

However, the union said the adjustment had yet to be implemented, despite health workers suspending their strike in good faith.

“While the workers have kept their side of the bargain, the government hasn’t kept its side of the agreement,” the TUC said, describing the situation as “absolutely unacceptable.”

The congress called for the immediate implementation of the agreement, a clear timeline for its execution, adequate budgetary provisions and proper consultation with the unions involved.

It warned that health workers could not be expected to continue providing essential services while the government failed to honour its commitments.

“The TUC demands tangible action, not further assurances. It will stand firmly with the affected affiliates and health workers and pursue every lawful and legitimate measure necessary to secure compliance,” the statement added.

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

Reaffirming its position, the TUC said workers’ welfare should not be treated as a privilege and urged the government to respect workers’ rights and honour agreements reached with organised labour.

“Workers’ welfare is not a privilege. Agreements must be honoured. Workers’ rights must be respected. Government must comply,” the congress stated.

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