BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have agreed on a series of measures to ease the economic hardship facing workers, including a ₦70,000 transport allowance for six months and the payment of 19 months’ outstanding allowances owed to health workers.

The resolutions were reached at a conciliation meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, following an earlier meeting on October 22.

The meetings addressed concerns raised by the NLC over the rising cost of living, implementation of the National Minimum Wage, fuel prices, workers’ welfare and outstanding allowances.

Under the agreement, the Federal Government will provide a ₦70,000 transport intervention to workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026.

The government also approved the peculiar allowance, effective May 1, 2026. Payment of the arrears is expected to begin in November and will be made in three equal monthly instalments.

In addition, the 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers will be paid within three months, beginning in December 2026.

The parties agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and begin work immediately. However, they remained divided over the effective date for implementing the new minimum wage.

On tax relief for workers, the meeting resolved to refer the matter to the National Executive Council, noting that taxation is a statutory issue.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and the cost implications of the proposed hazard allowance for agricultural officers to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for verification.

The verification is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the commission will issue an implementation template.

The NSIWC is also expected to complete an updated assessment of the cost implications of the proposed Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment within three weeks. The assessment will guide the Presidential Committee on Salaries in reaching a decision on the matter.

The Federal Government and the NLC urged state and local governments to participate in the intervention process and implement the agreed measures.

Both parties agreed to reconvene after one month to review progress on implementation.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; the Director-General of Budget, Timi Yakubu; and the Permanent Secretary, SWO, in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Garba Abdul S. U.

The NLC was represented by its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, while Olowoyo Gbenga signed on behalf of the Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council (JNPSNC) as its national secretary.

ADVERTISEMENTS