By Adegwu John, Abuja; Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse; Attah Anthony, Jalingo; Richard Ndoma, Calabar; Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu; Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja; Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan; Okem Green Mbah, Yenagoa; Emmanuel Mgbeahurike, Owerri; Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt; Felix Igbekoyi, Asaba; Francis Okoye, Maiduguri; Damilola Origbemisuyi, Akure; Joshua Dada, Osogbo; Alo Abiola, Ekiti; Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin; Aza Msue, Makurdi; and Babaji Usman Babaji, Gombe
The federal authorities’s approval of a N70,000 month-to-month transport allowance for its employees has sparked calls for by state labour unions and workers for comparable assist from their respective governments amid rising transport fares and the price of residing.
While some state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) mentioned they might await directives from their nationwide headquarters earlier than approaching their governments, others insisted that state and native authorities employees must also profit from the intervention.
Workers in a number of states have additionally urged their governments to increase the allowance to them, arguing that the financial hardship affecting federal workers isn’t any completely different from what they face.
However, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the proposed allowance, demanding a direct wage improve and insisting that the minimal pay of the lowest-paid federal employee ought to rise from N70,000 to N300,000.
The federal authorities authorised the six-month transport intervention at a gathering with the NLC management in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Payments are scheduled to start in November.
The settlement additionally supplies for fee of arrears of the authorised peculiar allowance in three equal month-to-month instalments, starting in November. Both events additional agreed to represent the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee instantly, though they disagreed over the efficient date for implementing the end result of the negotiations.
North-West: Kaduna, Jigawa Labour Unions Await Further Action
The NLC in Kaduna State has expressed its intention to hunt an analogous transport allowance from the state authorities however is awaiting an official directive from its nationwide headquarters.
The state chairman, Ayuba Suleiman Magaji, confirmed this to LEADERSHIP on Wednesday when requested whether or not the union would method Governor Uba Sani’s administration.
“Yes, but we are awaiting an official letter from our national headquarters,” he mentioned.
In Jigawa State, the NLC chairman, Sunusi Alhassa, described the proposed allowance as a step in the direction of additional negotiations on employees’ remuneration.
He mentioned the intervention wouldn’t deter the union from pursuing wage will increase and decrease gasoline costs, including that the state council was monitoring developments and would await the nationwide headquarters’ place.
North-East: Borno, Gombe Unions Consider Next Steps
The NLC in Borno State mentioned it might demand the implementation of the transport allowance for state and native authorities employees as soon as the federal authorities started paying its workers.
The state chairman, Yusuf Inuwa, mentioned the union anticipated state and native authorities authorities to undertake the association reached by the nationwide management.
“What we are doing is that we are waiting for the federal government to implement the N70,000 transport allowance for workers. Once it is done at the federal level, we will demand its implementation at the state and local government levels,” he mentioned.
Inuwa acknowledged that some states may face monetary constraints in paying the complete quantity, including that labour unions may negotiate with the related authorities on an reasonably priced association.
In Gombe State, the NLC chairman, Yusuf Bello, mentioned the union would assess the state authorities’s response to the Federal Government’s name for different administrations to contemplate extending the intervention to their employees.
“Our position is that further steps could be considered depending on the government’s response to the Federal Government’s directive,” he mentioned.
North-Central: Kogi, Kwara Workers Push for Allowance
Workers in Kogi State have urged their labour unions to demand a N70,000 month-to-month transport allowance from the state authorities.
A state authorities employee, Musa Shehu, instructed LEADERSHIP in Lokoja that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo would doubtless contemplate the demand if the unions formally introduced it.
He cited the state’s approval of a minimal wage above the Federal Government’s N70,000 benchmark as proof of the administration’s willingness to enhance employees’ welfare.
“The governor will be willing to do it if the unions approach him. The governor was the first to approve a minimum wage higher than the Federal Government’s N70,000,” Shehu mentioned.
An government member of a labour union within the state, who spoke on situation of anonymity, mentioned the unions had been ready to push for the allowance.
“Yes, we are going to press for it. You can see the hardship in the land. Transport fares are increasing in Lokoja. The N70,000 will go a long way in cushioning the suffering of workers and their families,” the official mentioned.
Similarly, the NLC in Kwara State mentioned it might demand the allowance as soon as it acquired the official round from its nationwide headquarters.
The state chairman, Saheed Muritala, instructed LEADERSHIP in Ilorin: “It is mandatory for us to demand the transport palliative approved for federal workers. As soon as we receive the circular from the NLC national secretariat, we shall engage the state government on the issue.”
In Benue State, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bemdoo Ugber, referred to as on state and native governments to implement the allowance.
He mentioned the elimination of the gasoline subsidy had elevated transportation, meals and lodging prices, inserting stress on employees and their households.
“While the initiative is a welcome step towards cushioning the effects of economic hardship, it is important to emphasise that the rising cost of living continues to erode workers’ purchasing power,” he mentioned.
Ugber referred to as for sustained dialogue between the federal government, organised labour and different stakeholders to enhance employees’ welfare, stabilise costs and restore public confidence within the financial system.
South-East: Imo to Demand N70,000, Enugu TUC Wants N300,000 Minimum Wage
The NLC in Imo State has mentioned it is going to formally demand a N70,000 month-to-month transport allowance from Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The state chairman, Chigemezu Nwigwe, instructed LEADERSHIP that employees wanted extra assist as a result of transport prices had tripled because the elimination of the gasoline subsidy.
He mentioned employees commuting from Egbu, Ihiagwa and Obinze to the state secretariat now spend greater than N2,500 day by day on transportation.
“Federal workers are not the only ones buying fuel at N1,200. If the Federal Government has agreed to pay its workers N70,000 for transport, the Imo State Government must do likewise. We cannot have two classes of workers in one economy,” he mentioned.
Nwigwe mentioned the state NLC government council would write formally to the governor in the course of the week and meet the state chapter of the TUC to current a joint demand.
Although Imo was among the many first states to implement the N70,000 minimal wage in 2024, he mentioned inflation and rising transport prices had eroded its worth.
He urged the federal government to increase the proposed assist to native authorities employees, major faculty lecturers and pensioners, whom he described as notably affected by the financial state of affairs.
“Our position is simple: what is good for federal workers is also good for state workers. The governor has always made it known that Imo State has received increased FAAC allocations, which rose to more than N25 billion last month. He should therefore show empathy. We will not accept any excuse,” Nwigwe mentioned.
In Enugu State, the TUC chairman, Enwerem Alexander Chima, mentioned the union was nonetheless verifying studies on the Federal Government’s approval.
He mentioned labour was demanding larger salaries, insisting that the minimal pay of any employee shouldn’t be under N300,000.
“Definitely, because the news is just coming up and we want to confirm its authenticity. But we all go to the same market and use the same transport system,” he mentioned.
Chima added that the union would contemplate making a proper demand as soon as it confirmed the main points of the Federal Government’s choice.
South-West: Mixed Reactions in Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti
Workers and labour leaders within the South-West have expressed blended reactions to the transport allowance, with some welcoming the proposed reduction whereas others questioned its adequacy and sustainability.
Oyo: Existing Support Reportedly Increased
Public servants in federal institutions in Oyo State have welcomed the authorised allowance, describing it as reduction amid rising gasoline costs and commuting prices.
Adedamola Olatunji, a workers member of the Federal Ministry of Works, mentioned the intervention was mandatory however expressed concern over the fee mechanism and precise disbursement dates.
Meanwhile, studies emerged on Wednesday that the Oyo State Government had elevated its present month-to-month transport assist from N10,000 to N25,000.
State employees had been additionally mentioned to be receiving periodic renewals of transport assist and wage awards. At the time of submitting this report, they weren’t demanding a N70,000 month-to-month allowance from Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
The Oyo State coordinator of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights, Abiodun Bamigboye, mentioned the Federal Government’s intervention would supply some reduction if applied however wouldn’t considerably handle the hardship brought on by gasoline subsidy elimination, forex devaluation and the commercialisation of social companies.
He referred to as for decrease petrol costs and the rehabilitation of the nation’s 4 public refineries to cut back dependence on imported petroleum merchandise.
“Therefore, to resolve the hardship faced by workers today requires an immediate reversal of the current price of petrol to N197, which was the pump price before the removal of the so-called subsidy,” he mentioned.
Bamigboye additionally referred to as for the prosecution of Nigerians indicted in subsidy-related fraud instances and the restoration of looted funds for funding in public companies, together with training and healthcare.
A civil servant in Oyo State, Adenrele Olawale, expressed concern about potential fee delays and whether or not state and native governments would undertake the allowance.
Traders Bolanle Adewole and Olaniyan Ajayi described money palliatives as a “band-aid” answer, calling for lasting reforms to cut back gasoline costs and management the price of items and companies.
Public analyst Oladele Ogunsola, nonetheless, welcomed the intervention and urged state governments to introduce comparable assist, even when they might not afford the complete quantity.
He additionally referred to as for higher funding in mass transit to make sure that the broader inhabitants benefited from efforts to cut back transport prices.
Ondo: Workers Welcome Support, Fear Delays
Federal employees in Ondo State have welcomed the allowance however urged the federal government to make sure immediate fee.
Hosea Olusegun, a federal employee, mentioned transport bills consumed nearly half of his earnings, leaving him struggling to fulfill different obligations.
“I really appreciate the Federal Government for that initiative. Personally, I spend almost 50 per cent of my earnings on transportation alone, which has made things a bit difficult for me. But now, with this N70,000 transportation benefit, it will go a long way in helping me,” he mentioned.
Another employee, Ayodeji Ayoola, mentioned the allowance would improve his disposable revenue and enhance his way of life.
However, a employee recognized merely as Mrs Dolapo expressed concern that the intervention may endure the identical delays as earlier authorities commitments.
“Yes, I am happy. But my fear is that the money shouldn’t be audio money. This is not the first time the government has made a promise, and there have been many instances in which it has failed to fulfil its promises, especially regarding the payment of arrears. So, I just pray the government fulfils this one,” she mentioned.
Osun: TUC Says Allowance Inadequate
The TUC in Osun State has criticised the proposed allowance, arguing that it might not adequately compensate employees for larger petroleum product costs and the price of residing.
The state chairman, Abimbola Fasasi, mentioned the precedence needs to be a minimal wage that displays prevailing financial realities.
“I’m disillusioned on the improvement as a result of I consider that the quantity is simply too meagre to alleviate the struggling employees are going by. It is just not ample to compensate for the excessive value of residing we’re battling.
“I think we should be talking about a realistic minimum wage now,” he mentioned.
Fasasi argued that decreasing petroleum product costs may present broader reduction, including {that a} residing wage needs to be pursued if gasoline costs couldn’t be decreased.
A federal civil servant in Osogbo, Bolanle Adewoye, additionally described the proposed allowance as insufficient and referred to as for a residing wage alongside measures to cut back gasoline costs.
Ekiti: Workers Want State to Follow Suit
Civil servants in Ekiti State have urged the state authorities to contemplate a N70,000 month-to-month transport allowance, arguing that employees face comparable financial challenges no matter their employer.
A civil servant recognized merely as Mr Adeniyi acknowledged that the state authorities supplied shuttle buses for employees however mentioned extra money assist would assist them meet different family wants.
“At this critical time, it is only fair to consider all workers, irrespective of where they work, for such support,” he mentioned.
Another public servant, Mrs Adedoja, mentioned the rising value of products and companies affected federal and state employees alike.
“It will be good if state workers are also considered for the allowance. When you go to the market to buy any item, the seller will not ask whether you are a federal worker or a state government employee before deciding to sell it to you at a lower price,” she mentioned.
South-South: Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa Seek Wider Coverage
The NLC chairman in Rivers State, Alex Agwuonwu, mentioned the settlement reached between the union’s nationwide management and the Federal Government coated employees throughout the nation.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, he argued that state and federal civil servants confronted comparable financial challenges.
“There is no difference between federal civil servants and state civil servants. Whatever was agreed between labour and the Federal Government covers all workers in the country,” he mentioned.
In Delta State, the NLC chairman, Goodluck Ofobruku, mentioned the union would method the state authorities over the allowance after receiving the official round from its nationwide headquarters.
He instructed LEADERSHIP in Asaba that the federal government had been cooperative in its dealings with employees.
“No doubt, the government will carry us along. The same government just approved a 13th-month salary for workers. Definitely, we shall approach the government. The state government has been cooperating with us. Let us get the circular first,” he mentioned.
Ofobruku mentioned the proposed Thirteenth-month wage would value the state about N16 billion and canopy employees’ gross salaries, together with relevant allowances and different advantages.
He mentioned the fee would assist employees meet bills comparable to faculty charges and lease in the course of the festive season and in January, whereas boosting buying energy.
In Bayelsa State, the NLC chairman, Barnabas Simon, referred to as for the extension of the transport allowance to state and native authorities employees, arguing that the financial hardship affected workers throughout all ranges of presidency.
He mentioned the problem was amongst these mentioned at a current assembly of the NLC’s National Executive Council.
Simon argued that the worth of the N70,000 minimal wage had been eroded by rising transport fares, rents, faculty charges and different residing bills.
“The N70,000 minimum wage, which was insignificant from inception, has also been further reduced. Its value cannot be commensurate with the economic realities in the country,” he mentioned.
He added that Bayelsa employees shouldn’t be excluded from the proposed allowance.
“Our case cannot be exceptional. Is the economy treating us differently from other state workers? The same should be applicable to Bayelsa; we are just waiting to see how we can kick-start the process,” he mentioned.
Simon additionally referred to as for early negotiations on a brand new minimal wage anticipated to be applied in 2027, warning that delays may extend the method.
TUC Rejects Allowance, Demands N300,000 Minimum Pay
The TUC has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 transport allowance, demanding a direct wage improve and the implementation of excellent agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
In an announcement signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N. A. Toro, the congress mentioned short-term wage awards couldn’t adequately handle employees’ financial hardship.
It mentioned it had communicated its place to the Federal Government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, following a gathering of its National Administrative Council in Abuja.
According to the TUC, subsequent consultations with authorities officers, together with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, didn’t change its place on the necessity for a direct wage overview.
The congress argued that the federal government didn’t want to barter a brand new nationwide minimal wage earlier than rising salaries, noting that there was no regulation prescribing a most wage.
It proposed elevating the wage of the lowest-paid federal employee from N70,000 to N300,000, with corresponding changes throughout different wage grades.
The TUC mentioned some states had already raised their minimal wages above N100,000 and urged the Federal Government to extend employees’ pay whereas negotiations on a brand new nationwide minimal wage continued.
“Salary increases, not temporary and haphazard measures, are what workers need,” the assertion mentioned.
The congress additionally referred to as on governments in any respect ranges to introduce measures to cut back the price of important items and companies, pay salaries and pensions promptly, defend present jobs, curb exploitative labour practices and revive the productive sector to create respectable employment.
TUC Accuses FG of Breaching JOHESU Agreement
The TUC additionally accused the Federal Government of failing to honour its settlement with JOHESU seven months after the well being sector unions suspended their industrial motion.
It mentioned Osifo had led organised labour’s efforts to resolve the dispute, culminating in a conciliation assembly on the workplace of the Minister of Labour and Employment, the place authorities and labour representatives signed an settlement.
According to the congress, the settlement supplied for the decision of excellent points regarding changes to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
However, the TUC mentioned the adjustment remained unimplemented regardless of JOHESU suspending its strike in good religion.
It described the delay as a breach of belief that undermined collective bargaining and demanded rapid implementation of the settlement, a transparent compliance timetable, ample budgetary provisions and consultations with the affected unions.
The congress warned that well being employees shouldn’t be anticipated to proceed offering important companies whereas the federal government did not fulfil its commitments.
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