The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other workers' unions in various states are demanding that state governments implement a N70,000 transport allowance for workers, as agreed by the federal government. This demand is part of a larger effort to mitigate the effects of rising living costs on workers. The allowance is intended to be paid for six months, starting from November 2026. The NLC is pushing for the implementation of this allowance in various states, citing the increasing costs of transportation, housing, and food.
In Lagos State, NLC chairperson Agnes Sesi stated that the union would demand a N100,000 monthly allowance due to the high cost of living in the state. She emphasized that if the state government cannot afford to pay the higher amount, it should at least pay the N70,000 agreed upon at the federal level. Sesi also stressed the need for prompt payment to avoid accumulating debt. The union is keen on negotiating with the state government to ensure that workers receive a fair allowance.
In Kaduna State, NLC chairman Ayuba Magaji announced that the union would write to Governor Uba Sani to initiate discussions on implementing the N70,000 transport allowance. Magaji noted that this amount was a starting point for negotiations and that the union would push for a higher amount if the state's economic situation permits. The union is taking a cautious approach, considering the financial capacity of the state government.
In other states, such as Binuwai, Kebbi, and Bayelsa, NLC chairpersons have expressed their commitment to implementing the agreed-upon allowance. However, some unions, like the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers State, have expressed concerns that the six-month allowance may not adequately address the challenges faced by workers. TUC chairman Samuel Ogan suggested that a salary increase might be a more effective solution than a temporary allowance.
The NLC and TUC in various states are engaging with state governments to negotiate the implementation of the transport allowance. In Abia State, the NLC stated that it would demand the N70,000 allowance for six months but would not allow it to hinder negotiations on a new minimum wage. In Kano and Sokoto states, NLC chairpersons Kabiru Inuwa and Abdullahi Jungle stated that they are awaiting directives from the national headquarters before initiating discussions with state governments.
In Ogun State, the TUC is reportedly in talks with the state government to expand the existing N10,000 transport allowance for government workers. The negotiations are ongoing, with the union seeking to improve the welfare of workers. The implementation of the transport allowance in various states is contingent upon negotiations and agreements with state governments.
The demand for the N70,000 transport allowance is part of a broader effort to address the rising cost of living in Nigeria. The federal government had agreed to provide the allowance as part of a larger package to mitigate the effects of economic challenges on workers. The NLC and other workers' unions are working to ensure that state governments implement the allowance and improve the welfare of workers.
Key points
- The Nigerian Labour Congress is pushing for state governments to implement a N70,000 transport allowance for workers.
- The allowance is intended to be paid for six months, starting from November 2026.
- Some unions have expressed concerns that the six-month allowance may not adequately address the challenges faced by workers.
