TUC Rejects FG’s ₦70,000 Transport Allowance, Demands ₦300,000 Minimum Salary

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance, insisting that workers need a permanent salary increase rather than temporary financial relief.

The labour union is demanding that the salary of the least-paid federal worker be raised from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, alongside consequential adjustments across other grade levels. It argued that the ongoing negotiations on a new national minimum wage should not prevent the government from increasing workers’ pay immediately.

The position was contained in a statement signed by the TUC President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N. A. Toro, following the government’s announcement of the transport intervention after talks with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

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TUC Says FG Can Increase Salaries Immediately

The congress argued that the government does not need to conclude negotiations on a new national minimum wage before raising salaries, noting that there is no maximum wage law preventing an immediate increase.

According to the union, it communicated its position to the Federal Government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, following a National Administrative Council meeting in Abuja. It said the position was subsequently maintained during engagements with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“This was hinged on the fact that government does not require minimum wage to be negotiated before increasing workers’ pay as there is no maximum wage law in the country,” the statement read.

The TUC maintained that while negotiations on a new national minimum wage remain important, they should not become a reason to delay urgent salary adjustments.

It also noted that some states already pay their lowest-paid workers more than ₦100,000, using this as part of its argument for an immediate review of federal workers’ earnings.

Union Rejects Another Wage Award

The TUC said it had rejected the proposal for another wage award during consultations with the government, arguing that temporary interventions were insufficient to address the financial difficulties facing workers.

The congress cited the ₦40,000 wage award agreed in October 2023, alleging that the arrangement was not fully implemented.

According to the union, some workers missed one or two months of payment, others received nothing, while payments were irregular for some beneficiaries.

It further claimed that more than 80 per cent of states and workers in the informal sector did not benefit from the wage award.

The congress called on governments to address the rising cost of essential goods and services, pay salaries and pensions promptly, protect jobs, end exploitative labour practices and revive local production.

TUC Accuses FG of Failing Health Workers

Beyond the dispute over transport support and salaries, the TUC accused the Federal Government of failing to implement an agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions about seven months ago.

The union said the agreement, brokered with labour’s intervention and signed by the ministers responsible for labour, health and finance, provided for an adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

However, the TUC alleged that the adjustment remained outstanding despite health workers suspending their strike in good faith.

“While the workers have kept their side of the bargain, the government hasn’t kept its side of the agreement,” the statement said, describing the situation as “absolutely unacceptable.”

The congress called for immediate implementation of the agreement, a clear timetable, adequate budgetary provision and consultation with the unions involved.

It warned that health workers should not be expected to continue providing essential services indefinitely while an agreement affecting their welfare remains unimplemented.

TUC Awaits Government Meeting Before Next Move

The union said it was awaiting the outcome of a planned meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next course of action.

It warned that it would stand with affected affiliate unions and health workers and pursue lawful measures to secure compliance with the agreement.

“The TUC demands tangible action, not further assurances. It will stand firmly with the affected affiliates and health workers and pursue every lawful and legitimate measure necessary to secure compliance,” the statement said.

The congress concluded by stressing that workers’ welfare should be treated as a priority and that agreements reached between the government and organised labour must be honoured.

“Workers’ welfare is not a privilege. Agreements must be honoured. Workers’ rights must be respected. Government must comply,” it added.