₦70,000 transport allowance: who gets it, and why the TUC said no

Federal public servants are due a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for six months from November 2026, under an agreement between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). But the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has rejected the deal and wants a permanent pay rise instead.

What was agreed

The deal came out of a meeting of more than six hours chaired by the Minister of Labour, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, with NLC President Joe Ajaero leading the labour side, ThisDay reported. It followed a three-day warning strike called on 2 October 2026.

Main points:

• ₦70,000 a month transport allowance for public servants, for six months from November 2026.
• A 40% peculiar allowance linked to the ₦70,000 minimum wage, with arrears from 1 May 2026 paid in three instalments.
• Health workers: 19 months of allowance arrears to be paid in three instalments from December 2026.
• A new committee of government, labour and employers (NECA) to review pay.
• Tax relief proposals to go to the National Economic Council.

The parties agreed to meet again within a month to check progress.

Why the TUC said no

The TUC says a temporary allowance is not enough. It argues the government can raise the lowest-paid worker’s salary to ₦300,000 now, without waiting for a minimum wage review, Vanguard reported.

“Workers’ welfare is not a privilege. Agreements must be honoured,” the TUC said. It pointed to the October 2023 wage award, which it says was never fully paid.

The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, which backs the NLC, says the TUC was not part of the talks and that its objection will not stop the deal being carried out.

Pensioners left out

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, led by Godwin Abumisi, called the exclusion of retirees “unjust”, saying pensioners also need transport for hospital visits and food.

What it means for you

• Federal public servant? Look out for the allowance from your November pay. Ask your union or HR office if it does not arrive.
• State or local government worker? The agreement says it will be extended to states from November, but each state must adopt it.
• Private sector or retired? This allowance does not cover you.