TUC Rejects FG’s Proposed ₦70,000 Monthly Transport Allowance
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for federal workers, insisting that a salary increase would provide more meaningful relief amid the rising cost of living.
The proposal followed a meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday. However, the TUC said temporary financial assistance would not adequately address workers’ economic challenges.
In a statement jointly signed by Festus Osifo, the TUC President-General, and Nuhu Toro, its Secretary, the union argued that the government could increase the salary of the lowest-paid worker to ₦300,000 from the current ₦70,000 minimum wage without waiting for another minimum wage review.
The union also called for the implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), alongside broader measures to improve workers’ welfare and reduce the pressure of rising living costs.
TUC Demands Salary Increase, Full Implementation of Agreements
The TUC maintained that workers were demanding fair wages and economic justice rather than temporary relief. It said the government must honour existing agreements, respect workers’ rights and introduce measures that protect the livelihoods of employees and vulnerable Nigerians.
The labour organisation also expressed concern over the previous wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023. According to the TUC, the arrangement was expected to remain in place until a new minimum wage was agreed upon in 2024.
However, the union said the earlier wage award was not fully implemented. It claimed that some workers were still owed one or two months of payments, while others did not receive the allowance at all.
The TUC questioned why the government was proposing another temporary wage intervention when outstanding payments from the previous arrangement had yet to be settled.
The union said it would await the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next course of action.
Pensioners Protest Exclusion From ₦70,000 Allowance
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has criticised the exclusion of retired workers from the proposed transport allowance intervention, which is expected to run for six months from November 2026.
The NUP National President, Godwin Abumisi, described the exclusion as unjust, arguing that pensioners were also struggling with the rising cost of transportation and other essential expenses.
According to Abumisi, retirees rely on public transport to visit hospitals, attend medical appointments, buy food and meet other daily needs. He added that many pensioners survive on inadequate pensions and have no dependable alternative sources of income.
Also Read: Alex Otti Awards Scholarship to 15-Year-Old Debate Champion
The union also questioned why the NLC, which negotiated the relief for serving workers, did not secure similar support for retired employees. It described the omission as a failure to consider the difficulties facing former public servants.
NUP Raises Concern Over Unpaid ₦25,000 Palliative
The pensioners’ union also criticised the Federal Government over the reported failure to pay a ₦25,000 monthly palliative promised under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the NLC and TUC on October 2, 2023.
The agreement reportedly provided for payments of ₦25,000 per month for three months to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners. Eligible beneficiaries were therefore expected to receive a total of ₦75,000 over the three-month period.
The NUP’s concerns add to the wider debate over how the government can provide effective support to workers and retirees facing economic hardship.
While the TUC is demanding higher wages and the full implementation of outstanding agreements, pensioners are calling for their inclusion in relief measures intended to ease the rising cost of living.
