TUC Rejects N70,000 Transport Stipend, Demanding N300,000 Minimum for Public Workers

Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s N70,000 monthly transport allowance for federal workers, describing it as inadequate and ephemeral.

The Federal Government, after a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 27, 2026, approved a N70,000 transport allowance for public service workers for six months, beginning in November 2026. The allowance is intended to reduce the cost of rising transportation, food, and energy costs.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, signed by its President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade N.A. Toro, the TUC said temporary wage awards cannot address the current economic difficulties.

The Congress stands at demanding an immediate and permanent salary review, suggesting that the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker should be increased from N70,000 to N300,000 and crucial adjustments for other grade levels.

According to the TUC, it communicated this position to the Federal Government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, following a meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC) in Abuja. It maintained the same position during subsequent consultations with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The union debated that there is no law requiring the government to negotiate a new national minimum wage before increasing the salaries of Federal workers, knowing fully well that Nigeria has no maximum wage law.

Beyond the salary request, the TUC also called for full implementation of the agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) seven months ago on the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), settlement of outstanding 2023 unpaid debt to some workers, and timely payment of salaries and pensions.

The disagreement highlights a split within organised labour, with the NLC accepting the transport allowance deal while the TUC holds out for a substantive wage increase. Additionally, negotiations between the Federal Government and the TUC are expected.

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