The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance, saying workers need a permanent salary increase rather than temporary palliatives.
Naija News reports that the congress, in a statement signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N. A. Toro, also accused the government of breaching its agreement with health workers.
The TUC’s position came less than a day after the government announced the allowance following talks with the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The union argued that no legal barrier prevented the government from raising salaries immediately, even as negotiations on a new minimum wage continue.
It disclosed that it had made its position known to the government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, after a National Administrative Council meeting in Abuja, and had maintained it in later engagements with government officials, including the SGF.
“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 proposed raising the pay of the least-paid federal worker from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, with consequential adjustments across other grade levels, noting that some states already pay above ₦100,000.
“While it is good to negotiate minimum wage which will affect other cadre of workers, FGN must raise wage level immediately as there are no law or historical practices stopping it from doing so,” it said.
The congress added that it had firmly rejected the idea of another wage award during consultations, insisting that “negotiations of a new national minimum wage must not become an excuse for postponing urgent pay increment.”
The TUC cited the ₦40,000 wage award agreed in October 2023, which it said was never fully paid.
According to the union, some workers missed one or two months of payment, others received nothing, and disbursements were irregular.
It also claimed that more than 80 per cent of states and the informal sector did not implement any wage award at all.
The congress called on governments to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, pay salaries and pensions on time, protect jobs, end exploitative labour practices and revive local production.
The TUC further accused the government of failing to honour the agreement it reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions seven months ago.
It recalled that the deal, brokered with labour’s intervention and signed by the Ministers of Labour, Health and Finance, provided for the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
The congress said the adjustment had not yet been implemented, even though health workers had suspended 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 TUC said, describing the situation as “absolutely unacceptable.”
It demanded immediate implementation, a clear timeline, proper budgetary provision and consultation with the unions involved.
The union warned that health workers could not be expected to keep providing services while their agreement was ignored.
“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,” it said.
The congress said it was awaiting the outcome of a planned meeting with the government before taking its next step.
“Workers’ welfare is not a privilege. Agreements must be honoured. Workers’ rights must be respected. Government must comply,” the TUC added.
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