TUC rejects the FG’s N70,000 transport allowance and demands an urgent salary increase for Nigerian workers amid rising inflation and living costs.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called for an urgent salary review, describing the proposed N70,000 transport allowance as inadequate and unsustainable in addressing the economic challenges confronting Nigerian workers.
The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr Festus Osifo, and its Secretary-General, Mr Nuhu Toro, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had on Tuesday signed an agreement approving a monthly transport allowance of N70,000 for federal public servants to mitigate the impact of rising living costs.
However, the TUC said the intervention would not adequately address workers’ financial difficulties, arguing that a temporary transport allowance could not substitute for a comprehensive salary increase amid persistent inflation.
The congress recalled that a wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023, was not fully implemented, despite being intended to remain in effect until a new national minimum wage was negotiated in 2024.
According to the TUC, some workers were still owed one or two months of the previous wage award, while others received no payments. It added that disbursements to eligible workers were generally irregular.
The congress further alleged that more than 80 per cent of state governments and operators in the informal sector failed to implement any form of wage award.
“Negotiation of a new national minimum wage must not become an excuse for postponing urgent pay increments,” the statement said.
The TUC maintained that the Federal Government could increase workers’ salaries without waiting for minimum wage negotiations, noting that no law prescribes a maximum wage in the country.
It also cited states that had raised their minimum wages above N100,000, arguing that the Federal Government could similarly increase the salary of its lowest-paid worker and implement corresponding adjustments across salary grades.
Beyond salary increases, the congress urged governments at all levels to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, ensure prompt payment of salaries and pensions, protect jobs and curb exploitative labour practices.
It also called for the revitalisation of the productive sector to create decent employment opportunities, stressing that economic interventions should be inclusive and backed by clear implementation timelines.
On the ongoing concerns involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), the TUC demanded the immediate implementation of the agreement on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The congress expressed concern that the adjustment remained outstanding seven months after the agreement was reached, despite JOHESU suspending its prolonged industrial action in good faith.
It urged the Federal Government to honour the agreement, publish a clear implementation timetable and make the necessary budgetary provisions to resolve the outstanding issues.
The TUC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected affiliate unions and pursuing lawful measures to ensure compliance with agreements reached with the government.
The congress added that it was awaiting the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next course of action.
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