The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants, demanding an immediate and substantial increase in workers’ salaries to address the rising cost of living. The labour organisation proposed that the lowest-paid federal worker should earn ₦300,000 monthly, with corresponding adjustments across other salary grades, insisting that permanent wage improvements would provide more dependable financial relief than temporary allowances.
The union made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and jointly signed by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N. A. Toro. The statement followed deliberations by the TUC National Administrative Council and consultations with government officials. The congress argued that the Federal Government does not need to wait for negotiations on a new national minimum wage before reviewing existing salaries, stressing that there is no legal restriction preventing employers from paying workers above the statutory minimum.
The TUC criticised the government's proposed six-month transport intervention, scheduled to commence in November 2026, citing alleged failures in implementing previous wage agreements. According to the union, some workers are still owed payments from the October 2023 wage award, while others received irregular payments or no benefits. It also claimed that workers in several states and the informal sector were excluded from earlier relief measures, raising concerns about the effectiveness of another temporary arrangement.
The congress further demanded immediate implementation of the outstanding Consolidated Health Salary Structure adjustment for members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). It accused the Federal Government of failing to honour an agreement reached about seven months earlier following negotiations that led to the suspension of industrial action by health workers. The union called for adequate budgetary provisions, a clear implementation timetable and the resolution of outstanding disputes affecting healthcare personnel.
Beyond salary increases, the TUC urged federal, state and local governments to introduce practical measures to reduce the cost of food, transportation, housing and healthcare. It also demanded prompt payment of salaries and pensions, stronger job protection and policies capable of creating sustainable employment. The congress said it would determine its next course of action after further engagement with the Federal Government, maintaining that Nigerian workers require lasting improvements in their earnings rather than repeated short-term financial interventions.
Filed under
#TUC
#Festus Osifo
#Salary Increase
#₦300000 Minimum Salary Proposal
#Transport Allowance
#Federal Government
#Nigerian Workers
#JOHESU
#Labour Union
#Cost of Living
#Nigeria Economy
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Summary
The Trade Union Congress has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance, demanding an immediate salary increase to ₦300,000 for the lowest-paid federal workers and implementation of outstanding health workers’ agreements. The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants, demanding an immediate and substantial increase in...
Key takeaways
- The Trade Union Congress has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance, demanding an immediate salary increase to ₦300,000 for the lowest-paid federal workers and implementation of outstanding health workers’ agreements.
- The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants, demanding an immediate and substantial increase in workers’ salaries to address the rising cost of living.
- The labour organisation proposed that the lowest-paid federal worker should earn ₦300,000 monthly, with corresponding adjustments across other salary grades, insisting that permanent wage improvements would provide more dependable financial relief than temporary allowances.The union made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and jointly signed by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.
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The Trade Union Congress has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance, demanding an immediate salary increase to ₦300,000 for the lowest-paid federal workers and implementation of outstanding health workers’ agreements. The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants, demanding an immediate and substantial increase in...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with Babatunde Ademola Fadewo listed as author.
When was it published?
October 28, 2026
