TUC Rejects ₦70,000 Allowance, Demands ₦300,000 Minimum Salary for Federal Workers

 

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers, insisting that Nigerian workers need a substantial and sustainable salary increase rather than temporary relief measures.

The Congress also demanded the immediate implementation of the outstanding agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The TUC made its position known in a press statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and signed by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Comrade N.A. Toro.

The statement followed the Federal Government’s recent agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to provide a ₦70,000 monthly transport intervention for public service workers for six months, beginning in November 2026.

The agreement, reached during a conciliation meeting in Abuja on October 27, also covered outstanding allowances and the establishment of a committee to commence minimum wage negotiations. However, the government and the NLC did not agree on the effective date for implementing the national minimum wage.

Why TUC Rejected the ₦70,000 Allowance

The TUC said its opposition to the proposed intervention was based on concerns about the sustainability, coverage and implementation of temporary wage awards.

According to the Congress, a previous wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023, was not fully implemented before the introduction of the new minimum wage in 2024.

It claimed that some workers were still owed one or two months of the previous award, while others did not receive any payment.

The Congress also alleged that payments under the previous arrangement were irregular, with workers sometimes receiving the money after one- or two-month intervals and repeated pressure on the government.

It further argued that more than 80 per cent of states and workers in the informal sector did not implement any form of wage award.

“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 maintained that a permanent salary increase would provide more dependable support for workers struggling with rising food, transportation, healthcare and other living expenses.

The Congress called on the Federal Government to increase workers’ salaries immediately, arguing that such an adjustment does not have to wait for negotiations over a new national minimum wage.

It explained that Nigeria has no maximum-wage law preventing the government from raising workers’ salaries beyond the existing minimum wage.

The TUC cited states that have increased their minimum wages above ₦100,000 and argued that the Federal Government could raise the pay of its lowest-paid worker to ₦300,000, alongside consequential adjustments for other salary grades.

The Congress stressed that negotiations over a new national minimum wage should not be used as an excuse to delay an urgent pay increase.

The Congress insisted that government policies must translate into measurable improvements in living conditions rather than remain announcements without tangible results.

TUC Gives FG Fresh Demand Over JOHESU Agreement

The TUC also expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s failure to implement the agreement reached with JOHESU following months of industrial action by health workers.

According to the Congress, its President, Festus Osifo, led an organised labour delegation, including JOHESU representatives and a representative of another labour congress, in negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute.

The discussions culminated in a conciliatory meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, where both parties agreed on a communiqué to settle outstanding issues.

The government delegation was led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, alongside the Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, and the then Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

The TUC said JOHESU suspended its industrial action in good faith after the agreement was reached, but accused the government of failing to fulfil its own commitments.

It specifically cited the outstanding adjustment of CONHESS, which it said was expected to be conclusively addressed under the terms of settlement.

According to the Congress, seven months after the agreement, the adjustment remained unimplemented.

The TUC described the delay as a breach of good faith that undermines collective bargaining and erodes workers’ confidence in agreements reached with the government.

It demanded the immediate implementation of the agreed CONHESS adjustment, a clear timetable for implementation, adequate budgetary provisions and the resolution of outstanding issues in consultation with the relevant unions.

The Congress warned that health workers should not be expected to continue providing essential services while government commitments to them remain unfulfilled.

TUC Warns of Further Action

Reaffirming its position, the Congress said it would continue to defend workers’ rights and pursue lawful measures to compel the government to honour its obligations.

It maintained that workers were demanding social and economic justice rather than favours.

The TUC also called for full compliance with existing agreements, improved wages across all categories of workers and stronger social.

The Congress said it was awaiting the final outcome of its scheduled meeting with the government before deciding on its next line of action.

It concluded that workers’ welfare must remain a priority, insisting that agreements must be honoured and workers’ rights respected.