TUC Rejects N70,000 Transport Allowance, Demands Salary Increase

According to reports by Punch on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers, insisting on an immediate salary increase instead.

In a statement signed by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.A. Toro, the congress described the allowance as a temporary measure that would not provide lasting relief amid rising living costs. The TUC demanded that the government raise the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker from N70,000 to N300,000, with corresponding adjustments for other categories of workers.

The union also called for the implementation of outstanding agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions regarding salary adjustments for health workers. It noted that some states have already raised their minimum wages above N100,000, arguing that the Federal Government has no legal barrier preventing an immediate wage review.

The TUC said it had communicated its position to the government through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. It maintained that negotiations on a new national minimum wage should not delay urgent action to ease the financial burden on workers struggling with the high cost of food, transportation, housing and other essentials.

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