Organised labour in Nigeria has expressed differing views on the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport intervention, with some labour leaders welcoming the relief while others insist on immediate salary increases and a higher minimum wage.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), led by Festus Osifo, rejected the proposed intervention, arguing that temporary financial support would not provide lasting relief for workers struggling with rising living costs.
In a statement, the TUC urged the Federal Government to increase workers’ salaries immediately rather than rely on temporary palliatives. It also called for the full implementation of the outstanding agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The congress maintained that workers need sustainable salary improvements to cope with the rising costs of food, transportation, healthcare and other essential needs.
However, Gbenga Olowoyo, National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), welcomed the ₦70,000 monthly transport support, describing it as a positive development while reaffirming labour’s demand for a ₦500,000 minimum wage.
Olowoyo said organised labour remained open to reasonable negotiations with the government but would not abandon its demand for improved wages.
The transport intervention, agreed upon by the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is scheduled to begin in November 2026 and run for six months.
Meanwhile, the government and the NLC have agreed to begin negotiations on a new national minimum wage, although disagreements remain over when a new rate would take effect.
The development comes amid growing concerns about workers’ purchasing power and the implementation of the existing ₦70,000 minimum wage across states and local government areas.
Labour leaders are calling for concrete action to improve workers’ welfare, insisting that temporary financial assistance must not replace sustainable wage increases.