The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 transportation allowance for workers, calling for an immediate salary increase to help ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
The union’s position follows President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of a six month intervention for workers, beginning in November 2026, after a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
In a statement issued after its National Administrative Council meeting in Abuja on October 8, 2026, the The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said it had written to the Federal Government, outlining the challenges facing workers and proposing measures to improve their welfare.
The congress argued that temporary financial support would not provide lasting relief as workers continue to grapple with rising costs of food, transportation, healthcare and other basic necessities.
- FG Empowers 150 Enugu Youths With Future-Ready Skills
- A Powerful African Story Comes Alive at BAZE University!
- TUC Rejects ₦70,000 Transport Allowance Demands Salary Increase
- My Internship Journey At Isu Media Ltd From Learning To Experience
- DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTS MORNING BRIEF, 29 October 2026
TUC Proposes ₦300,000 Salary For Lowest Paid Federal Worker
The The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) maintained that the Federal Government could increase workers’ salaries without waiting for negotiations on a new national minimum wage.
The union proposed raising the salary of the lowest paid federal worker from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, with corresponding adjustments for other salary grades.
It cited states that have introduced minimum wages above the national benchmark, arguing that the Federal Government could take similar steps to improve workers’ earnings.
According to the congress, regular salary increases would offer more dependable financial support than temporary allowances.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also disclosed that its leadership had held consultations with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to press for an immediate review of workers’ pay.
TUC Raises Concerns Over Previous Wage Award
The union also questioned the implementation of the wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023, as temporary relief pending negotiations on a new national minimum wage in 2024.
According to The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), the arrangement was not fully implemented, leaving some workers with outstanding payments while others reportedly received nothing.
It added that some beneficiaries received payments irregularly, while many states and workers in the informal sector did not benefit from the scheme.
The congress questioned why workers should be expected to rely on another temporary arrangement when previous commitments had not been fully honoured.
It maintained that salaries remain a more reliable source of income and urged the government to prioritise a lasting pay increase rather than introduce another temporary measure.
TUC Demands Implementation Of JOHESU Agreement
Beyond the salary dispute, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) called on the Federal Government to honour its outstanding agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The union said Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) President Festus Osifo led a team of organised labour representatives, including Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) leaders, in negotiations to resolve an industrial action that lasted several months.
Following several meetings at the Ministry of Health, a final conciliation meeting was held at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, resulting in an agreement that paved the way for the suspension of the strike.
However, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said the government had yet to implement the agreed Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment, despite its commitment to resolve the outstanding issues without further delay.
The congress described the delay as a failure to honour the agreement, warning that such situations weaken trust between the government and labour unions.
It called on the Federal Government to implement the adjustment immediately, provide the necessary funding, publish a clear implementation timetable and resolve all outstanding matters in consultation with the relevant unions.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) stressed that health workers should not be expected to continue providing essential services while agreements concerning their welfare remain unfulfilled.
Union Calls For Measures To Reduce Cost Of Living
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) noted that the economic hardship extends beyond federal workers to state and local government employees, pensioners, private sector workers and people in the informal economy.
It urged governments at all levels to introduce practical measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, protect existing jobs and address exploitative labour practices.
The union also called for investment in productive sectors of the economy to create decent jobs and improve livelihoods.
It emphasised that government interventions should be inclusive, adequately funded and supported by clear timelines. It added that policy announcements must translate into tangible improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
For more news, updates and stories, visit: https://www.akweyatv.com/
