The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have agreed to pay workers ₦70,000 monthly as transport support for six months, beginning in November 2026, while negotiations on a new national minimum wage are set to commence immediately.
The agreement was reached at a conciliation meeting between government representatives and labour leaders at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27.
The meeting followed an earlier session held on October 22 to address labour’s demands for minimum wage negotiations, a reduction in petrol prices and measures to cushion the impact of economic hardship on workers.
Minimum Wage Talks to Begin Immediately
According to the resolutions signed at the meeting, both parties agreed to constitute a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee and begin discussions immediately.
However, they acknowledged a disagreement over the effective date for implementing a new national minimum wage.
The NLC expressed concern about the Federal Government’s handling of the issues, while the government said it respected the union’s right to advocate for improved working conditions and was working to address its demands through structured interventions.
Health Workers, Other Allowances Addressed
The meeting also reached agreements on outstanding allowances and welfare issues affecting public servants and health workers.
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Both parties agreed that payment of arrears of peculiar allowances would begin in November 2026 and be completed in three equal monthly instalments.
For health workers, the government agreed to clear 19 months of outstanding allowances within three months, beginning in December 2026.
On the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) said it would complete an updated cost assessment within three weeks to enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to make a decision.
Tax Relief, Agricultural Hazard Allowance
The demand for tax relief for workers was referred to the National Executive Council for consideration, as the meeting noted that taxation is a statutory matter.
On hazard allowances for agricultural officers, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had submitted a list of beneficiaries and the cost implications to the NSIWC for verification.
The verification is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the commission will issue an implementation template.
The meeting urged state and local governments to participate in the intervention process and called on unions to press for the implementation of the resolutions.
The agreement was signed for the Federal Government by Labour and Employment Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Budget Office Director-General Tanimu Yakubu and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Garba Abdul.
Meanwhile, the NLC President Joe Ajaero and the National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Olowoyo Gbenga, signed on behalf of labour.
