The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has defended the Federal Government's approval of a ₦70,000 monthly transportation allowance for public servants. The council stated that the allowance, set to run for six months from November 2026, was negotiated by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), JNPSNC, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). This move aims to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs on workers and their dependants.
According to the National Secretary of JNPSNC, Gbenga Olowoyo, the agreement followed over six hours of negotiations at a meeting presided over by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi. The negotiations produced several resolutions covering transportation support, peculiar allowances, health workers' entitlements, tax relief, and the establishment of a tripartite negotiation committee. Olowoyo urged state and local governments to adopt the transportation allowance to ensure public servants at all levels benefit from the intervention.
The council disclosed that the agreement provides for the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, which should have commenced with the implementation of the new national minimum wage in July 2024. The allowance will be domesticated at the state and local government levels from November 2026, while arrears covering the period from May 1, 2026, will be paid in three instalments. This move is expected to provide financial relief to public servants.
The TUC's rejection of the transportation allowance has sparked controversy. However, Olowoyo argued that the congress was not part of the negotiations that produced the agreement. He maintained that the NLC, JNPSNC, and JOHESU had the mandate to negotiate on behalf of their participating members. Olowoyo stated that objections from other unions should not prevent the implementation of the agreed provisions.
The council further disclosed that the Federal Government had agreed to establish a tripartite negotiation committee comprising government, labour, and the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA). The committee's establishment was among the key demands that informed the three-day warning strike the JNPSNC initiated on October 2, 2026. This committee is expected to facilitate future negotiations and agreements.
The agreement also provides for the payment of 19 months of outstanding health workers' allowances in three instalments, beginning in December 2026. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission was given three weeks to conclude work on adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and forward its recommendations to the Presidential Committee on Salaries for approval and implementation. This move aims to address the longstanding demands of health workers.
The council urged the Federal Government, state governments, and local government authorities to address the trust deficit that has weakened industrial relations. The council noted that previous agreements with unions had often suffered delays or were not implemented. The latest agreement represents an important step towards addressing the financial pressures facing public servants, while urging all parties to ensure that the commitments translate into tangible benefits for workers.
Key points
- The JNPSNC has defended the ₦70,000 transport allowance, saying it will be implemented despite the TUC's rejection.
- The allowance is part of a broader agreement that includes the implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance and the payment of outstanding health workers' allowances.
- A tripartite negotiation committee will be established to facilitate future negotiations and agreements between government, labour, and employers.
