By John Odhe
The organized labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has disclosed the reason it rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers, calling it a temporary and inadequate measure.
Rising from its National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) dismissed the intervention just 24 hours after it was announced.
The union leadership insisted that haphazard relief measures cannot sustainably cushion the compounding economic hardships and the rising cost of living currently confronting Nigerian workers.
The controversial allowance was initially finalized on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during a high-profile conciliation meeting chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.
The resulting Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—initially signed by representatives of the federal government and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero—had promised a six-month transport intervention starting in November 2026.
However, the unified labour front collapsed the next day as union leaders flagged major deficiencies in the scope and long-term viability of the deal.
In a joint statement issued by TUC President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, labour leaders argued that temporary hand-outs are historically prone to poor implementation and failed obligations.
Instead of short-term palliatives, the unions are demanding an immediate, permanent salary review that elevates the base pay of the lowest-earning federal workers to ₦300,000.
Labour officials stressed that the executive branch does not need to wait for protracted national minimum wage legislations to upgrade public sector pay, noting there is no maximum wage law limiting the state’s capacity to pay a living wage.
Beyond the transportation subsidy, the unions accused the federal government of serial bad faith regarding previous agreements.
TUC leaders highlighted the government’s failure to settle outstanding 2023 wage awards and its neglect of a months-old adjustment plan for the Consolidated Health Salary Structure affecting health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
Labour has warned that while it remains open to further dialogue, it will utilize every lawful instrument to enforce economic justice, protect workers’ livelihoods, and compel the state to implement full salary adjustments.
