TUC Rejects FG’s ₦70,000 Allowance, Demands ₦300,000 Minimum Salary
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers, insisting on an immediate salary increase to ₦300,000 for the lowest-paid federal workers.
The congress said temporary wage awards were inadequate to cushion the effects of rising living costs, urging the government to increase salaries without waiting for negotiations on a new national minimum wage.
In a statement signed by its President-General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Comrade N. A. Toro, the TUC argued that no law prevents the government from raising workers’ salaries before a new minimum wage agreement is reached.
It proposed raising the pay of the lowest-paid federal workers from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, with corresponding adjustments across other salary grades.
The labour union also criticised the alleged failure to fully implement the ₦40,000 wage award agreed upon by the government and organised labour in October 2023. According to the congress, some workers have received irregular payments, while others remain unpaid.
The TUC further accused the Federal Government of failing to implement an agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) on adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), despite the unions suspending their strike.
It demanded immediate implementation of the agreement, a clear timetable and adequate budgetary provisions, warning that continued delays undermine workers’ confidence in collective bargaining.
The congress also urged governments at all levels to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, protect jobs and tackle exploitative labour practices.
The TUC said it was awaiting the outcome of a scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding its next course of action, insisting that workers’ welfare and existing agreements must be treated as priorities.
