FG, NLC Reach Agreement on Workers’ Welfare, Transport Allowance

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached agreements on key labour issues, including a six-month transport intervention of N70,000, payment of outstanding allowances and the commencement of a new minimum wage negotiation process.

The resolutions were reached at conciliation meetings held on October 22 and 27, 2026, at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.

The meetings, convened by the ministry, followed a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s Central Working Committee and National Executive Council. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, chaired the meetings, while the NLC delegation was led by its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel, the parties agreed that a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted immediately and begin work without delay.

However, the statement noted that both parties had yet to agree on the effective date for implementing the new minimum wage.

On measures to cushion the impact of petroleum prices and address workers’ welfare concerns, the Federal Government agreed to provide a transport intervention of N70,000 across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026.

The government also approved the payment of peculiar allowances with effect from May 1, 2026. The arrears are expected to be paid in three equal monthly instalments starting in November.

Similarly, 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers are to be settled within three months, beginning in December 2026.

On tax relief for workers, the meeting agreed that the matter would be referred to the National Executive Council, noting that taxation is a statutory issue.

The meeting also reviewed the proposed hazard allowance for agricultural workers. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and the associated cost implications to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for verification.

The verification process is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the commission will issue an implementation template.

Regarding the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the NSIWC is expected to complete an update of the cost implications within three weeks. The report will enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to determine the next steps on the proposed adjustment.

The meeting urged state and local governments to participate in the intervention process, while labour unions were encouraged to pursue implementation at their respective levels.

Both parties agreed to reconvene after one month to review progress on the implementation of the resolutions.

Those in attendance included the Director-General of Budget, Mr Tanimu Yakubu; the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Garba Abdul S.U.; NLC President Joe Ajaero; and the National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga.

The statement was signed by Daniel on October 27, 2026.