By Palang Paul
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowances wage award for six months, demanding immediate salary increases and implementation of the agreement with health workers.
President Bola Tinubu announced the six-month intervention, scheduled to begin in November 2026, following a conciliation meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
However, the TUC said temporary financial relief would not adequately address the economic hardship facing workers, insisting that a permanent salary increase would provide more sustainable support.
In a statement, the labour union said it had communicated its position to the Federal Government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The union said it had urged the government to increase workers’ salaries, arguing that there was no legal requirement for a new national minimum wage agreement before employers could raise wages.
The TUC also proposed that the Federal Government consider increasing the salaries of its lowest-paid workers to ₦300,000, citing some state governments that have raised their minimum wages above ₦100,000.
According to the congress, the proposed wage award was discussed during consultations with government officials but was rejected because of concerns about the implementation and sustainability of previous temporary wage relief measures.
TUC Questions Previous Wage Award
The union recalled that the wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023, was intended to remain in effect until a new minimum wage was negotiated in 2024.
However, it alleged that the previous arrangement was not implemented consistently, leaving some workers with outstanding payments while others received nothing.
The TUC also said payments to some beneficiaries were irregular, with workers reportedly experiencing gaps of one or two months between payments.
It further argued that more than 80 per cent of state governments and the informal sector did not implement any form of wage award.
The congress maintained that permanent salary increases would provide more reliable support than temporary interventions.
It urged the government not to use minimum wage negotiations as a reason to delay immediate salary adjustments for workers.
Union Seeks Measures to Reduce Cost of Living
Beyond salary increases, the TUC called on federal, state and local governments to introduce practical measures to reduce the cost of living.
It noted that rising prices of food, transportation, healthcare and other essential goods and services were affecting public-sector employees, pensioners, private-sector workers and people in the informal economy.
The union urged governments to ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, protect existing jobs, address exploitative labour practices and strengthen productive sectors to create decent employment opportunities.
It also called for inclusive social protection programmes supported by adequate funding and clear implementation timelines.
The TUC stressed that government interventions should produce measurable improvements in Nigerians’ living conditions rather than remain policy announcements.
TUC Demands Implementation of JOHESU Agreement
The congress also called on the Federal Government to immediately implement its outstanding agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
According to the TUC, its president, Festus Osifo, led an organised labour delegation, including JOHESU representatives, in negotiations aimed at resolving the union’s prolonged industrial action.
The negotiations culminated in a conciliation meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, where both parties agreed on a settlement.
The TUC said JOHESU suspended its industrial action in good faith following the agreement but accused the government of failing to fulfil its commitments.
It stated that seven months after the settlement, the agreed CONHESS adjustment remained unimplemented.
The congress described the delay as a breach of good faith that undermined collective bargaining and weakened workers’ confidence in government agreements.
It therefore urged the Federal Government to implement the adjustment without further delay, provide the necessary budgetary provisions, publish a clear implementation timetable and resolve all outstanding issues in consultation with the relevant unions.
The union maintained that health workers should not be expected to continue providing essential services while agreements reached with their representatives remained unfulfilled.
TUC Awaits Further Engagement With Government
The TUC reiterated that workers were demanding fair wages, economic protection and respect for their rights rather than special treatment.
It pledged to continue defending workers’ interests and pursue lawful measures to compel the government to honour its obligations.
The congress said it would stand with affected unions and health workers until the outstanding commitments were fulfilled.
It also rejected what it described as inadequate temporary relief, insisting on wage justice, stronger social protection and measures to reduce the cost of living.
The TUC said it was awaiting the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before determining its next course of action.
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