The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached a series of agreements aimed at improving the welfare of workers in Nigeria. The agreements were reached after a series of conciliation meetings convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on October 22 and 27, 2026. The meetings were chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, while the NLC delegation was led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
One of the key agreements reached is the approval of a ₦70,000 transport intervention payment for workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026. This move is part of the government's efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic situation on workers. The government also approved peculiar allowances with effect from May 1, 2026, with payment of outstanding arrears scheduled to commence in November. The arrears will be paid in three equal monthly instalments.
Health workers are also expected to benefit from the agreement, as the government pledged to redeem 19 months of outstanding allowances within three months, beginning in December 2026. This development is expected to bring relief to health workers who have been waiting for the payment of their allowances. The agreements also provide for the constitution of a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, which will commence meetings immediately.
However, the effective date for implementing the minimum wage remains unresolved, with the parties yet to reach an agreement on the matter. The meeting also considered demands for tax relief for workers but agreed to refer the issue to the National Executive Council, noting that taxation is a statutory matter. The parties also made progress on hazard allowances for agricultural workers.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and the associated cost implications to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for verification. The commission is expected to complete the exercise within two weeks, after which it will issue the template for implementation. This development is expected to bring relief to agricultural workers who have been waiting for the review of their hazard allowances.
On the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment, the NSIWC pledged to complete an update of the cost implications within three weeks. The updated figures are expected to enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to consider and take a decision on the adjustment. The meeting also urged state and local governments to key into the intervention process, while labour unions were encouraged to push for the implementation of the resolutions at their respective levels.
Both parties also agreed to reconvene after one month to assess progress made in implementing the agreements and address outstanding issues. The meeting had in attendance several top government officials, including the Director-General of Budget, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu; the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Garba Abdul S.U.; and the National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga.
Key points
- The Federal Government and NLC have agreed on a ₦70,000 transport intervention payment for workers across all levels for six months.
- The government has pledged to redeem 19 months of outstanding allowances for health workers within three months.
- A Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee will be constituted and commence meetings immediately.
