TUC rejects federal government’s N70,000 transport allowance, calls for N300,000 salary

Federal government offers N70,000 transport allowance

On 28 October 2026, the Nigerian federal government announced a six‑month transport allowance of N70,000 per month for public servants, to be paid from November 2026. The decision came after a conciliation session in Abuja where the government met with the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The allowance was intended to cushion the impact of rising living costs and the removal of the fuel subsidy.

TUC rejects the allowance and demands a higher salary

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a statement signed by President‑General Festus Osifo and Secretary‑General Nuhu Toro rejecting the N70,000 allowance. The union argued that the figure was unrealistic and could not address the economic hardship faced by workers. It demanded an immediate salary increase to N300,000 per month, describing the proposed allowance as a temporary measure that had previously failed to reach all eligible workers.

Background

The TUC’s position is rooted in earlier wage award controversies. In October 2023 a wage award of N40,000 was announced, yet it was not fully applied before a new minimum wage was settled on in 2024. The union alleged that some workers were paid for only one or two months, others received nothing, and that irregular payments had covered up to four months but were not made consistently each month. More than 80 % of state governments and the informal sector reportedly did not implement any wage award. The TUC also cited the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) agreement, arguing that the government had failed to implement the 2024 adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

Why it matters

Workers across the federal public sector are directly affected by the government's wage and allowance policies. The TUC’s insistence on a permanent salary increase highlights concerns that temporary allowances may not provide reliable relief. The union’s criticism of past unfulfilled wage awards raises questions about the government's commitment to labour agreements and could influence confidence in future negotiations between labour unions and authorities.

What happens next

The federal government has not yet responded to the TUC’s demand. The TUC’s statement urges governments at all levels to introduce measures that lower the cost of essential goods and services, guarantee timely salary and pension payments, safeguard employment, curb exploitative labour practices, and rejuvenate the productive sector. No further dates or decisions were announced in the sources provided.