The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are embroiled in a dispute over the proposed N70,000 transport allowance for workers. NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero has expressed surprise at TUC's rejection of the allowance, saying the union was not involved in negotiations with the government. Ajaero stated that the NLC had made it clear from the beginning that it was negotiating independently of the TUC.
Ajaero argued that the TUC should not oppose an arrangement it did not negotiate. He said, "The agreement was not signed by TUC, and you don’t kick against something that you didn’t negotiate, you never asked for." The NLC president noted that he would have preferred the TUC to demand a higher allowance so that both unions could negotiate with the government towards a common position.
The disagreement began after the TUC president reportedly said the minimum wage would be due for negotiation in August 2027. Ajaero said the NLC disagreed with that position, insisting that it was inconsistent with the law, and proceeded with its own engagement with the government. The TUC had also distanced itself from the process after reports emerged that both labour centres were jointly meeting with the government.
Ajaero revealed that the NLC subsequently issued a statement clarifying that it was acting alone in the negotiations. He said, "We came out with a statement that NLC is on this alone; we are not with TUC. So, I would be surprised why TUC would be challenging what was gotten for the workers." The NLC president remains concerned about the TUC's position on the transport allowance.
The TUC had rejected the proposed N70,000 wage award and demanded an immediate salary increase for workers. The union stated that temporary wage awards are inadequate to address the economic hardship facing Nigerian workers, insisting the Federal Government should implement a salary increase instead. The TUC also accused the Federal Government of failing to fully fulfil its 2023 wage award obligations to some workers.
Ajaero argued that a wage increase could not be granted without a formal process involving the relevant stakeholders. He said, "There must be a process put in place." The NLC president noted that the same TUC had called for the process to begin in August 2027, adding that the NLC had advocated that the relevant committee commence work immediately.
The dispute between the NLC and TUC highlights the challenges faced by Nigeria's labour unions in negotiating with the government. The NLC and TUC are two of the most prominent labour unions in Nigeria, representing millions of workers across the country. Their negotiations with the government have significant implications for the welfare of Nigerian workers.
Key points
- NLC President Joe Ajaero questions TUC's rejection of the proposed N70,000 transport allowance.
- TUC rejects proposed N70,000 wage award, demands immediate salary increase.
- Dispute highlights challenges faced by Nigeria's labour unions in negotiating with government.
