The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers over six months, calling instead for an immediate salary increase and the implementation of outstanding agreements with health-sector unions.
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The congress said temporary payments would not provide reliable relief for workers facing rising costs of food, transport, healthcare and other essential goods and services. It also cited problems with the implementation of a previous wage award, arguing that permanent salary increases would offer more consistent support.
The Federal Government announced the six-month transport allowance after a conciliation meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Payments are scheduled to begin in November 2026.
TUC Proposes ₦300,000 Salary for Lowest-Paid Federal Workers
The TUC said it had submitted a demand to the Federal Government on 8 October, calling for an urgent review of workers’ pay in response to mounting economic pressures.
The congress proposed raising the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker from the current ₦70,000 minimum wage to ₦300,000, with corresponding adjustments for other salary levels.
The proposal represents the union’s demand, not an approved government policy. Any increase would require government consideration of its fiscal implications, implementation arrangements and effects across the public-service pay structure.
Union Questions Delivery of Previous Wage Award
The TUC also questioned the government’s record in implementing a ₦40,000 wage award agreed with organised labour in October 2023.
According to the congress, some workers remained owed one or two months of payments, while others received the allowance irregularly or did not receive it at all. It further claimed that many state governments and informal-sector employers did not implement comparable support.
The union argued that these shortcomings undermine confidence in another temporary payment arrangement. It called on the government to ensure that worker-support measures reach eligible recipients and produce measurable improvements in household finances.
JOHESU Agreement Adds to Labour Dispute
Beyond the transport allowance, the TUC called for the Federal Government to implement outstanding commitments to the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The congress said an agreement on adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure remained unresolved seven months after the settlement, despite health workers suspending industrial action.
It called for a clear implementation timetable, appropriate budgetary provisions and the resolution of outstanding matters through engagement with the affected unions.
The dispute adds to wider labour concerns over pay, the implementation of collective agreements and the cost of living.
What the Pay Dispute Means for Household Budgets
The debate over temporary allowances and permanent salary increases reflects the pressure that rising living costs place on workers’ disposable income.
For households, transport and food expenses compete with rent, utility bills, savings and other essential spending. Where incomes fail to keep pace with costs, households may struggle to meet housing payments or accumulate deposits for homeownership.
However, a higher salary does not automatically make housing more affordable. The effect depends on inflation, rent levels, mortgage availability and the supply of suitable homes.
The TUC has called for broader measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, protect jobs and ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions. The next key development will be the Federal Government’s response to the union’s demands and whether both sides agree on a practical implementation plan.
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