The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached an agreement to provide workers with ₦70,000 monthly as transport support for six months, commencing in November 2026. This decision was made during a conciliation meeting between government representatives and labour leaders at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on October 27, 2026. The meeting aimed to address labour’s demands, including minimum wage negotiations and measures to mitigate economic hardship on workers.
The agreement includes the constitution of a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee to begin discussions immediately. However, both parties acknowledged a disagreement over the effective date for implementing a new national minimum wage. The NLC expressed concerns about the Federal Government’s handling of the issues, while the government stated it respects the union’s right to advocate for improved working conditions through structured interventions.
The meeting also addressed outstanding allowances and welfare issues affecting public servants and health workers. Both parties agreed that payment of arrears of peculiar allowances would begin in November 2026 and be completed in three equal monthly instalments. This move aims to alleviate financial burdens on workers and promote better working conditions.
For health workers, the government agreed to clear 19 months of outstanding allowances within three months, beginning in December 2026. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) will complete an updated cost assessment within three weeks to enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to make a decision on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The demand for tax relief for workers was referred to the National Executive Council for consideration, as taxation is a statutory matter. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security submitted a list of beneficiaries and cost implications for hazard allowances for agricultural officers to the NSIWC for verification, expected to be completed within two weeks.
The agreement was signed by Labour and Employment Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Budget Office Director-General Tanimu Yakubu, and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Garba Abdul, on behalf of the Federal Government. NLC President Joe Ajaero and National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Olowoyo Gbenga, signed on behalf of labour.
The meeting urged state and local governments to participate in the intervention process and called on unions to press for the implementation of the resolutions. This collaborative effort aims to address the economic challenges faced by workers and promote a better working environment in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Federal Government and NLC agreed on ₦70,000 monthly transport support for workers starting November 2026.
- A Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee will be constituted to begin discussions immediately.
- The government agreed to clear 19 months of outstanding allowances for health workers within three months.
