N70,000 transport allowance: TUC demands N300,000 salary, pensioners protest exclusion

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the proposed N70,000 monthly transport allowance for federal workers, demanding an increase in the salary of the lowest-paid worker to N300,000.

The position comes amid growing concerns over the cost of living, with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) also condemning its exclusion from the six-month transport relief approved for serving public servants from November 2026.

The transport allowance was reportedly agreed upon following a meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday.

In a statement jointly signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary, Nuhu Toro, the TUC argued that workers needed a substantial salary increase and the implementation of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) agreement rather than temporary relief measures.

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The congress maintained that the Federal Government had the capacity to raise the salary of the lowest-paid worker from the current N70,000 minimum wage to N300,000 without waiting for another minimum wage review.

“Our position is unequivocal: workers are not asking for favours; they are demanding social and economic justice that protects their dignity and livelihoods,” the union stated.

The TUC said temporary wage awards were neither sustainable nor far-reaching enough to address the economic challenges facing workers and the wider population.

It recalled that the wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023, was intended to remain in place until a new minimum wage was agreed upon in 2024.

However, the union alleged that the award had not been fully implemented, with some workers still owed one or two months’ payments, while others had not received the benefit at all.

The congress questioned why the government was proposing another temporary intervention when outstanding obligations from previous agreements remained unsettled.

“How can workers be expected to trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding?” it queried.

The TUC also demanded wage justice for all categories of workers, stronger social protection, measures to reduce the cost of living for vulnerable Nigerians, and full implementation of existing agreements.

It said it would await the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next line of action.

The congress further pledged to continue defending workers’ rights and pursuing legitimate avenues to compel the government to honour its obligations.

Pensioners Fault FG, NLC Over Exclusion

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners has condemned the exclusion of retirees from the transport allowance, describing the decision as unjust and a reflection of the difficulties faced by former public servants.

The NUP National President, Godwin Abumisi, said pensioners were being treated as an afterthought despite having spent their productive years serving the country.

He argued that retirees faced similar economic pressures as serving workers, particularly rising transportation costs, healthcare expenses and the prices of essential goods.

“Pensioners also depend on public transportation to access hospitals, attend medical appointments, purchase food, and other essential items,” Abumisi said.

He noted that many pensioners relied on inadequate pensions and had no other dependable sources of income.

The union also questioned why the NLC, which negotiated the transport allowance for serving workers, did not push for corresponding relief for retirees.

It described the omission as evidence of insensitivity towards former colleagues who had retired after years of public service.

NUP Recalls Unpaid N25,000 Palliative

The pensioners also criticised the Federal Government over the alleged failure to fulfil its commitment to pay a N25,000 monthly palliative under the October 2, 2023, Memorandum of Understanding with the NLC and TUC.

According to the union, the agreement provided for N25,000 monthly payments for three months to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners, amounting to N75,000 per eligible beneficiary.

(Vanguard)