TUC Rejects N70,000 Transport Allowance for Workers

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) defended its stance against the federal government's proposed N70,000 transport allowance for workers, stating that its position reflects concerns regarding the ineffectiveness of past wage agreements. TUC president-general, Comrade Festus Osifo, articulated that previous wage interventions failed to benefit many workers, particularly those employed by state governments.

He noted that the wage award negotiated in 2023 was not implemented by several states, and the federal government allegedly did not adhere to the agreement. Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro, representing Osifo, emphasized the TUC's commitment to avoiding arrangements that could leave workers without promised benefits.

In contrast, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticized TUC's opposition, asserting that the NLC negotiated independently and questioned why TUC would challenge the arrangement. Osifo urged both labor organizations to strengthen their unity and cautioned the government against exploiting their differences.