TUC Rejects FG’s ₦70,000 Monthly Transport Allowance, Demands ₦300,000 Minimum Wage
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers, demanding instead that the salary of the lowest-paid worker be increased to ₦300,000.
The proposed transport allowance reportedly followed a meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday.
In a statement jointly signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, the TUC said the prevailing economic hardship required sustainable interventions rather than temporary relief measures.
The Congress argued that the Federal Government could increase the salary of the lowest-paid worker from the current ₦70,000 minimum wage to ₦300,000 without waiting for another minimum wage review.
“Our position is unequivocal, workers are not asking for favours, they are demanding social and economic justice that protects their dignity and livelihoods,” the TUC said.
It added that workers needed measures capable of addressing the rising cost of living and improving their purchasing power.
“The TUC rejects inadequate temporary relief and demands wage justice for all categories of workers, social protection, reduction of the cost of living for the vulnerable, and full compliance with agreements,” the statement added.
The Congress also questioned the government’s credibility in honouring agreements with organised labour, citing outstanding obligations under previous arrangements.
“How can workers be expected to trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding?” it asked.
The TUC further alleged that the implementation of the 2023 wage award had remained incomplete, noting that some workers were still owed one or two months’ payments, while others had not received the award at all.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has condemned the exclusion of pensioners from the Federal Government’s proposed six-month transport allowance, expected to commence in November 2026.
NUP President, Godwin Abumisi, said retirees also faced economic hardship and needed financial support to cover transportation to hospitals, purchase food and meet other essential needs.
He argued that many pensioners received inadequate pensions and should not be excluded from measures designed to cushion the effects of rising living costs.
The union also criticised the NLC for failing to secure corresponding relief for retirees, while faulting the Federal Government for allegedly failing to fulfil its commitment under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with organised labour on October 2, 2023.
Under the agreement involving the Federal Government, the NLC and the TUC, the government was expected to pay ₦25,000 monthly for three months to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners.
The arrangement amounted to ₦75,000 for each eligible beneficiary over the three-month period.