NLC chapters pressure governors over ₦70,000 transport allowance

State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have begun mounting pressure on their respective governors to implement the Federal Government’s newly approved monthly transport allowance of ₦70,000 for public sector workers.

The six-month intervention, scheduled to commence in November 2026, is intended to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs and other living expenses on workers.

The Federal Government reached the agreement with the NLC at a conciliation meeting in Abuja on October 27, urging state and local governments to adopt the initiative and encouraging labour unions to engage their respective authorities.

In Lagos State, NLC Chairperson, Agnes Sesi, said the union would seek a monthly transport allowance of ₦100,000, arguing that the high cost of transportation, accommodation, feeding and other essential services in the state justified a higher figure.

She, however, maintained that workers should not receive less than the federal benchmark and urged the state government to implement the relief promptly rather than allow outstanding entitlements to accumulate.

In Kaduna State, NLC Chairman, Ayuba Magaji, said the union would formally approach Governor Uba Sani to request the adoption of the ₦70,000 allowance.

Similarly, Kebbi State NLC Chairman, Murtala Usman, disclosed that he had begun engaging members of the state House of Assembly to secure support for an allowance ranging between ₦40,000 and ₦70,000.

Labour leaders in Benue, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, Rivers, Gombe and Niger states are also considering the intervention, with some preparing to engage their respective governments.

However, the proposal has attracted reservations from some labour leaders. In Rivers State, Trade Union Congress Chairman, Samuel Ogan, questioned the sustainability of the six-month intervention, arguing that workers needed a more lasting improvement in their earnings.

The Federal Government’s agreement provides for the transport intervention to run for six months, while implementation by state and local governments will depend on their response to organised labour’s demands.

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