The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has rejected the federal government’s proposed N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers, insisting that a permanent salary increase would provide more dependable relief from rising living costs. The six-month payment, scheduled to begin in November 2026, emerged from discussions involving the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
In a statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo, the TUC said temporary wage awards had proved unreliable, pointing to unresolved payments under a previous arrangement reached in 2023. The union called for an immediate review of federal salaries, arguing that minimum wage negotiations should not prevent the government from raising pay. It also demanded implementation of outstanding agreements on the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers.
The congress said the cost-of-living crisis extended beyond federal civil servants to pensioners, private sector employees, state and local government workers and people in the informal economy. It urged authorities to adopt broader measures to reduce the price of essential goods and support production.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar separately criticized the allowance as an inadequate response to a nationwide crisis. In a statement issued by his campaign’s communications office, he argued that N70,000 would purchase only about 50 litres of petrol at an illustrative price of N1,400 per litre, while doing little to address food, rent, electricity and business expenses. His proposed alternative included support for locally refined fuel. The TUC said it would determine further action after consultations with the government.
