TUC Rejects FG’s N70,000 Transport Allowance, Demands N300,000 Minimum Pay For Workers

According to a report by The Vanguard on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 monthly transport allowance for federal workers, arguing that the amount is insufficient to address the growing economic difficulties affecting employees across the country.

The union maintained that Nigerian workers require a significant salary increase rather than temporary financial assistance to cope with rising living costs. Its position was contained in a joint statement signed by TUC President-General Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, following an agreement reached between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday.

The TUC argued that the government has the financial ability to increase the minimum salary from the current N70,000 to N300,000 without waiting for another minimum wage review. It insisted that improved wages would provide workers with more meaningful relief amid increasing transportation, food and other essential expenses.

The labour organisation also called for stronger social protection programmes and the implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). It stressed that temporary allowances could not replace a sustainable improvement in workers’ earnings and general welfare.

Furthermore, the TUC expressed concerns about the government’s history of failing to honour agreements with organised labour. It recalled the wage award arrangement reached in October 2023, which it claimed was never fully implemented.

According to the union, some employees are still owed one or two months of payments, while others have yet to receive any money under the arrangement. It questioned why workers should trust another government promise when previous commitments remain outstanding.

The TUC disclosed that it would determine its next course of action after its scheduled meeting with government representatives.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has condemned the exclusion of retirees from the six-month transport relief programme expected to commence in November 2026.

NUP President Godwin Abumisi described the decision as unfair, explaining that pensioners also depend on public transportation to attend medical appointments, purchase food and meet other essential responsibilities.

The pensioners further criticised the government for failing to fulfil its earlier commitment to provide N25,000 monthly payments for three months to eligible households, including vulnerable retirees. They maintained that excluding pensioners from the latest intervention would further increase the financial difficulties confronting elderly Nigerians.

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