The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers, insisting that a permanent salary increase is needed to address the growing cost-of-living crisis.
The congress argued that temporary financial relief would do little to ease workers’ hardship, particularly as many Nigerians continue to grapple with rising food prices, transportation costs, healthcare expenses and other essential needs.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the TUC President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.A. Toro, following a National Administrative Council meeting held in Abuja on October 8, 2026.
According to the congress, it had written to the Federal Government through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, demanding an immediate review of workers’ salaries.
The TUC maintained that the government did not have to wait for negotiations on a new national minimum wage before increasing salaries, arguing that there was no legal limit on how much employers could pay their workers.
“The Federal Government should review increasing workers’ salaries. This was hinged on the fact that the government does not require the minimum wage to be negotiated before increasing workers’ pay, as there is no maximum wage law in the country,” the statement said.
As part of its proposal, the congress suggested raising the salary of the lowest-paid worker to ₦300,000 monthly from the current ₦70,000, with corresponding adjustments across other salary levels.
The demand comes as organised labour continues to press the government for measures to protect workers’ purchasing power following the removal of the petrol subsidy and subsequent increases in the cost of living.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the new national minimum wage law, raising the statutory minimum monthly wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 after months of negotiations between the government and organised labour. However, the TUC argued that the new minimum wage had not adequately addressed the financial pressures facing workers.
The congress also questioned the government’s commitment to another temporary wage arrangement, citing what it described as incomplete implementation of the wage award agreed with organised labour in October 2023.
According to the TUC, some workers are still owed one or two months of the allowance, while others have yet to receive any payment. It also alleged that beneficiaries in some cases experienced irregular payments, while more than 80 per cent of states and workers in the informal sector had not benefited from the arrangement.
“How do we go back to the same wage award that never benefited all workers? How can workers be expected to trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding?” the congress asked.
The TUC insisted that negotiations on a new minimum wage should not prevent the government from granting an immediate salary increase to workers struggling to meet their basic needs.
Beyond remuneration, the congress called on federal, state and local governments to introduce practical measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, ensure prompt payment of salaries and pensions, protect jobs and curb exploitative labour practices.
TUC raises concern over health workers’ agreement
The congress also accused the Federal Government of failing to implement an agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
According to the TUC, organised labour and government representatives reached an agreement following negotiations aimed at resolving a dispute that had led to industrial action by health workers.
The congress said JOHESU suspended its strike in good faith after the agreement was signed but alleged that the government had failed to implement the agreed salary adjustment seven months later.
“While the workers have kept their side of the bargain, the government hasn’t kept its side of the agreement,” the statement said.
The TUC demanded immediate implementation of the CONHESS adjustment, a clear timetable for its execution, adequate budgetary provisions and the resolution of outstanding issues in consultation with the relevant unions.
It warned that continued delays could weaken confidence in collective bargaining and undermine efforts to maintain industrial harmony in the health sector.
“The TUC demands tangible action, not further assurances,” the congress said, pledging to support affected unions in pursuing lawful measures to secure compliance.
The dispute adds to the wider tension between organised labour and the Federal Government over wages, fuel prices and workers’ welfare. While the government’s proposed transport allowance is intended to provide temporary relief, the TUC is insisting on a more lasting solution through higher salaries and the implementation of existing agreements.
The congress said it was awaiting the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next course of action. It did not announce an immediate nationwide strike in the statement.