TUC Rejects N70,000 Transport Allowance, Demands Salary Increase

On October 29, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected the federal government's proposed six-month N70,000 transportation allowance for workers, labeling it a “haphazard measure” in response to the removal of fuel subsidies. The government had approved this allowance for public servants, effective November, during a conciliation meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 28.

The TUC demanded an immediate salary increment, arguing that temporary wage awards are unsustainable. TUC President Festus Osifo stated that there are no laws preventing the government from raising wages immediately.

The meeting also resulted in the approval of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears, to be paid in three monthly installments starting November. Although a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee was agreed upon, the parties could not finalize the effective date for the national minimum wage.

The memorandum of understanding from the meeting was signed by key officials, excluding TUC leadership.