The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government's proposed N70,000 wage award, citing its failure to benefit all eligible employees in the past. Instead, the TUC is demanding an immediate and sustainable salary increase for workers. According to the TUC, the government should increase workers' salaries without waiting for negotiations on a new national minimum wage. This is because there is no legally prescribed maximum wage, allowing the government to increase salaries beyond the existing minimum wage.
The TUC suggested that the Federal Government could raise the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker to N300,000 and apply consequential adjustments to other salary grades. The Congress cited states that have raised their minimum wages above N100,000 as evidence that a more substantial salary increase is possible. The TUC maintained that negotiations for a new national minimum wage should not delay urgent salary adjustments amid the rising cost of living. The Congress emphasized that a review of workers' salaries is long overdue.
The TUC recalled that the previous N40,000 wage award, agreed upon by the Federal Government and organized labour on October 2, 2023, was intended to remain in place until a new national minimum wage was negotiated in 2024. However, the arrangement was not fully implemented, leaving some workers with outstanding payments while others received nothing. The Congress further complained that some beneficiaries received payments irregularly, with intervals of one or two months and repeated demands required to secure the money.
The TUC expressed concerns that over 80% of states and workers in the informal sector did not benefit from any form of wage award. Questioning the government's decision to propose another temporary arrangement, the TUC asked how workers could trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding. The Congress insisted that a direct salary increase would provide workers with more dependable relief than temporary payments whose implementation could be inconsistent.
Beyond salary increases, the TUC called on the Federal, state, and local governments to introduce measurable interventions to reduce the cost of essential goods and services. The Congress noted that economic hardship extends beyond federal workers to state and local government employees, pensioners, private-sector workers, and those in the informal economy. The TUC urged governments at all levels to ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, protect existing jobs, curb exploitative labour practices, and revitalize the productive sector to generate decent employment.
The TUC also demanded the immediate implementation of the outstanding Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment for members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). The Congress accused the Federal Government of failing to honour an agreement that led to the suspension of JOHESU's prolonged industrial action. The TUC recalled that an agreement was reached with the health workers following months of industrial action, but the adjustment remained unimplemented seven months later.
The TUC reiterated that its demands are aimed at securing economic justice and protecting workers' livelihoods, rather than seeking favours from the government. The Congress maintained that adequate wages, social protection, and measures to reduce the cost of living are essential to safeguarding workers' dignity. The TUC demands tangible action, not further assurances, and pledged to stand with the affected unions and pursue all lawful measures necessary to secure compliance.
Key points
- The TUC rejects the proposed N70,000 wage award, citing its failure to benefit all eligible employees in the past.
- The Congress demands an immediate and sustainable salary increase for workers, suggesting a possible increase to N300,000 for the lowest-paid federal worker.
- The TUC also calls for the implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for JOHESU members and measurable interventions to reduce the cost of living.
