The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers, insisting that an immediate salary increase would provide more sustainable relief amid rising living costs.
The labour organisation is demanding that the monthly salary of the lowest-paid federal worker be increased from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, alongside corresponding adjustments for other salary grades.
The position was contained in a statement signed by TUC President General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.A. Toro, on Wednesday.
The Federal Government had proposed the transport allowance for six months, beginning in November 2026, following discussions with organised labour over the rising cost of living and transportation.
Why TUC Rejected the Allowance
The congress described the proposed payment as a temporary measure that would not adequately address workers’ financial difficulties.
According to the union, the government does not need to wait for negotiations on a new national minimum wage before increasing salaries, as there is no law prescribing a maximum wage for workers.
The TUC also pointed to some states that have raised their minimum wages above ₦100,000, arguing that the Federal Government could implement a substantial salary increase and make corresponding adjustments across the public service.
It maintained that regular salaries would offer workers more dependable financial support than temporary allowances.
Labour Questions Previous Wage Agreements
The TUC said its opposition to the proposed allowance was partly informed by concerns over the implementation of previous wage agreements.
The congress alleged that the ₦40,000 wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour in October 2023 had not been fully implemented, leaving some workers without payments or facing irregular disbursements.
It also claimed that many state workers and people employed in the informal sector had not benefited from comparable wage interventions.
The labour body argued that introducing another temporary payment without resolving outstanding commitments could weaken workers’ confidence in agreements reached with the government.
TUC Demands Implementation of Health Workers’ Agreement
Beyond its salary demands, the congress called for the immediate implementation of the outstanding agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) concerning adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The TUC accused the government of failing to fulfil its commitment despite the suspension of industrial action by the affected unions.
It demanded a clear implementation timetable, adequate budgetary provisions and consultations with the relevant unions to resolve the outstanding issues.
The congress also urged federal, state and local governments to introduce practical measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, protect jobs and improve working conditions.
TUC Awaits Government’s Next Step
The labour organisation said it was awaiting the outcome of its scheduled engagement with the Federal Government before deciding on its next course of action.
It maintained that workers needed lasting improvements in their earnings and living conditions rather than temporary interventions that might not reach every eligible beneficiary.
The dispute places workers’ pay, the implementation of existing agreements and the rising cost of living at the centre of ongoing discussions between organised labour and the Federal Government.
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