The Federal Government has agreed to pay public sector workers a monthly transport allowance of ₦70,000 for six months from November, following talks with the Nigeria Labour Congress over rising living costs and workers’ welfare.
The agreement, reached during conciliatory meetings on October 22 and 27, also provides for the immediate constitution of a minimum wage negotiation committee and the payment of outstanding allowances to health workers.
The development followed disagreements between the government and organised labour over demands that included lower petrol prices, tax relief, welfare support and the settlement of unpaid allowances.
However, the two sides have yet to agree on the effective date for implementing the minimum wage arrangements.
Under the agreement, the government approved a peculiar allowance with effect from May 1, 2026, with arrears payments scheduled to begin in November in three equal monthly instalments.
The government also agreed to settle 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers within three months, starting in December.
On the proposed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is expected to complete an assessment of the cost implications within three weeks. The findings will guide the Presidential Committee on Salaries in deciding on the adjustment.
The government also agreed to address hazard allowances for agricultural officers. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and the associated costs to the commission for verification, which is expected to be completed within two weeks.
Meanwhile, the demand for tax relief for workers has been referred to the National Economic Council for consideration.
The resolutions offer temporary relief to workers facing higher transport costs and declining purchasing power, but do not include a reduction in petrol prices.
The government and the NLC are expected to meet again in one month to review implementation of the agreement. The resolutions also urged state and local governments to adopt the proposed interventions.
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