The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has objected to the federal government's proposed N70,000 transport allowance for civil servants, describing it as temporary and unsustainable. This decision was made at the TUC's National Administrative Council meeting on October 8 in Abuja. The allowance, approved by the government, is intended to cushion the effects of rising living costs and will be paid for six months, starting in November 2026. The TUC, however, is demanding an immediate salary increase for workers.
The federal government's approval of the transport allowance was announced in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by government representatives and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja. The MoU was signed by Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General of the budget office; Joe Ajaero, NLC President; Garba Abdul, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office; and Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment. The TUC was not part of the negotiation.
The TUC's position on the transport allowance was communicated to the federal government through a demand letter sent to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The letter stated that the union would await the outcome of a meeting with the federal government to decide on the next steps to take. The TUC's statement, signed by its President, Festus Osifo, emphasized the need for a more far-reaching solution to address the economic hardship facing workers.
The TUC is demanding an immediate salary increase for workers, citing the absence of a maximum wage law in the country. According to the union, some states have raised the minimum wage above N100,000, and the federal government could raise the pay of its lowest workers to N300,000, from the current N70,000, and apply consequential adjustments. The TUC stated that the government does not require any minimum wage negotiation before increasing pay.
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the N70,000 monthly transport support for public service workers as a desperate last-minute attempt to contain public anger. Atiku also mocked the relief initiative, saying it can only buy 50 litres of fuel. His comments align with the TUC's position that the transport allowance is insufficient.
The TUC's rejection of the transport allowance is not the first time the union has expressed dissatisfaction with government proposals. The union cited a wage award agreed on October 2, 2023, which was to be implemented until the minimum wage was agreed in 2024, but was never implemented. The TUC is pushing for a more comprehensive solution to address the economic challenges facing workers.
The TUC leadership has held consultative meetings with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to canvass its position on the salary increase. The union's proposal for a wage increase is aimed at providing a more sustainable solution to the economic hardship facing workers. The outcome of the meeting between the TUC and the federal government will determine the next steps to take.
Key points
- The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria rejects the government's proposed N70,000 transport allowance, citing unsustainability.
- The TUC is demanding an immediate salary increase for workers, citing the absence of a maximum wage law in the country.
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the transport allowance as a desperate last-minute attempt to contain public anger.
