Ajaero Faults TUC, Says Union Should Seek Better Transport Allowance

According to a report by the official website of TVC News on October 29, 2026, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has criticised the Trade Union Congress for rejecting the Federal Government’s N70,000 transport allowance for public sector workers.

Ajaero faulted the TUC’s position, arguing that the union should not oppose an agreement it was not involved in negotiating. The NLC president said his organisation negotiated the agreement with the Federal Government independently. He stressed that the TUC should instead approach the government to negotiate better terms for its members.

The NLC helmsman added that he would have preferred the TUC to demand a higher allowance rather than reject the existing arrangement. He also noted that such an approach could help secure improved benefits for workers.

Meanwhile, the TUC had rejected the six-month transport allowance. The union described temporary wage awards as unsustainable and insufficient to address workers’ economic challenges. It called for an immediate salary increase instead of a temporary intervention.

Responding to the demand for higher salaries, Ajaero maintained that wage increases require a formal negotiation process. Therefore, it cannot simply be granted without following the appropriate procedures.

The Federal Government had announced the six-month transport allowance on Tuesday, October 27, following a conciliation meeting with NLC leaders in Abuja. The agreement was subsequently documented in a memorandum of understanding.

The allowance is intended to provide temporary relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs and the broader effects of economic hardship.

Interestingly, the disagreement between the two labour centres highlights differences in their approaches to securing improved welfare for Nigerian workers. While the NLC has accepted the negotiated transport allowance as an interim measure, the TUC insists that a salary increase would provide a more sustainable solution.

The development comes amid continued calls by organised labour for improved wages, better working conditions and measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs on

LoisNews feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com