The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress have reached an agreement on measures to ease workers’ economic difficulties, including a N70,000 transport allowance and the settlement of 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers.
The resolutions followed a conciliation meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Tuesday, after an earlier meeting on October 22. The discussions addressed concerns raised by the NLC over the rising cost of living, minimum wage implementation, petrol prices, workers’ welfare and unpaid allowances.
The Federal Government’s representatives included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Budget Director-General Timi Yakubu; and the Permanent Secretary for Social Welfare 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, Joe Ajaero, and National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Olowoyo Gbenga.
Under the agreement, the Federal Government will provide a N70,000 transport intervention across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026.
The government also approved the payment of peculiar allowances with effect from May 1, 2026. The resulting arrears are expected to be paid from November in three equal monthly instalments.
In addition, the 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers are to be settled within three months, beginning in December 2026.
The meeting also agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted immediately to begin its work. However, the government and labour representatives did not reach an agreement on the effective date for implementing the new minimum wage.
On tax relief for workers, the parties agreed to refer the matter to the National Executive Council, noting that taxation falls under statutory provisions.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and the projected cost of a proposed hazard allowance for agricultural officers to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for verification.
The verification exercise is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the commission will provide an implementation template.
Similarly, the commission is expected to complete an updated assessment of the financial implications of the proposed adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure within three weeks. The assessment will guide the Presidential Committee on Salaries in reaching a decision.
The Federal Government and the NLC also called on state and local governments to participate in the intervention process and implement the agreed measures.
Both parties agreed to reconvene after one month to assess progress in implementing the resolutions.
Source: Vanguard
