The Federal Government of Nigeria has scheduled a meeting with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) for October 29, 2026, at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in Abuja. This meeting aims to address pressing economic, security, and labour issues affecting Nigerian workers. The TUC had requested urgent discussions with the government on these matters.
The meeting comes after the Federal Government approved a N70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers for six months, starting in November. However, the TUC has rejected this offer as inadequate. The allowance was approved following a conciliation meeting between the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on October 27, 2026.
The TUC has expressed concerns that temporary financial relief measures will not resolve workers' persistent financial difficulties. The union insists that the government should prioritise salary increases for workers. TUC President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, questioned the sustainability of allowances that would expire after six months.
The TUC proposed a N300,000 salary for the lowest-paid government worker, alongside corresponding increases for other categories of workers. The union argued that regular salary payments would offer workers more dependable financial support than temporary interventions. They also cited the wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023.
According to the TUC, some workers were still owed one or two months of the previous award, while others did not receive any payment. The union alleged that more than 80 per cent of states and the informal sector failed to implement any form of wage award. This has led to renewed calls for salary increases for government workers.
The TUC emphasised that regular pay is the most dependable means of improving workers' living conditions. The union urged the government to ensure prompt payment of salaries and pensions, protect jobs, tackle exploitative labour practices, and reduce the cost of essential goods and services. They also called for the revival of the productive sector and the creation of decent employment opportunities.
The meeting between the government and the TUC is expected to address these pressing issues. The government must demonstrate tangible improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians. The TUC's demands reflect the growing concerns of Nigerian workers who are seeking sustainable solutions to their financial difficulties.
Key points
- The Nigerian Federal Government is set to meet with the TUC to discuss measures to ease economic hardship and insecurity.
- The TUC has rejected the government's offer of a N70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers, citing concerns about its sustainability.
- The union is demanding salary increases for government workers, proposing a N300,000 salary for the lowest-paid government worker.
