The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has defended the Federal Government's approval of a N70,000 transportation allowance for public servants. This decision was made despite concerns and rejection by the Trade Union Congress (TUC). According to Olowoyo Gbenga, National Secretary of JNPSNC, the allowance was part of an agreement reached between the government and organised labour after extensive negotiations on workers' welfare and rising transportation costs.
The negotiations, which lasted over six hours, were presided over by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, and attended by representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), JNPSNC, and Joint Health Sector Unions. The agreement included the payment of the N70,000 transportation allowance for six months starting from November 2026, aimed at cushioning the impact of rising transportation costs on public servants and their dependants.
The JNPSNC also clarified that the Trade Union Congress (TUC) was not part of the negotiations that produced the agreement, although they have the right to express opinions on labour-related matters. However, any proposal by TUC for a higher transportation allowance would be welcomed if it translates into additional benefits for public servants. The council urged federal, state, and local governments to honour the agreement, stressing that effective implementation would strengthen collective bargaining, restore confidence, and improve workers' welfare nationwide.
The agreement also provided for the implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance, reflecting the N70,000 national minimum wage, effective from November 2026, with arrears from May 1 payable in three instalments. Furthermore, the government agreed to establish a tripartite negotiation committee comprising representatives of government, labour, and the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association, following JNPSNC's demand.
The JNPSNC had previously embarked on a three-day warning strike on October 2 to press for the establishment of the committee and resolution of outstanding workers' welfare demands. Additionally, the meeting approved the payment of 19 months' arrears of allowances for health workers in three instalments beginning from December 2026. The council also gave the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission three weeks to conclude work on the Consolidated Health Workers Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustments and forward recommendations to the relevant authorities for approval and implementation.
The JNPSNC's defence of the N70,000 transportation allowance comes amid differing opinions between the NLC and TUC over the government's proposal. While the NLC defended the agreement, the TUC demanded higher permanent salaries. The council's national secretary, however, stated that the allowance was a welcome development, considering the unbearable transportation costs currently experienced by public servants across the country.
The implementation of the agreement is expected to improve workers' welfare nationwide. The council's efforts to strengthen collective bargaining and restore confidence in the government's commitment to workers' welfare are ongoing. The JNPSNC's proposal for a tripartite negotiation committee is also expected to facilitate future negotiations between the government, labour, and employers.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has approved a N70,000 transportation allowance for public servants as part of an agreement with organised labour.
- The allowance will be paid for six months starting from November 2026 to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs.
- The agreement also provided for the implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance and the establishment of a tripartite negotiation committee.
