The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers, calling instead for an immediate salary increase.
The union said the government had the capacity to raise the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker from the current ₦70,000 minimum wage to ₦300,000.
The TUC stated its position in a statement jointly signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, amid growing economic hardship facing workers and other Nigerians.
The Federal Government had proposed the ₦70,000 monthly allowance for public service workers for six months, beginning in November 2026, following a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
However, the TUC argued that temporary wage awards were neither sustainable nor sufficient to address the financial challenges facing workers.
The union recalled that a wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour in October 2023 was not fully implemented, with some workers still owed payments while others did not receive the allowance.
It questioned why the government was proposing another temporary intervention when previous commitments remained outstanding.
The TUC also argued that the absence of a maximum wage law meant the government could increase workers’ salaries without waiting for negotiations on a new minimum wage.
According to the union, some state governments have already raised their minimum wages above ₦100,000, demonstrating that higher pay was possible.
Beyond salary increases, the TUC called for measures to reduce the cost of living, protect jobs, ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, and improve social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
The union also demanded the implementation of outstanding agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), stressing that health workers should not continue working while commitments made to them remain unfulfilled.
The TUC said it would await the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next line of action.
