The Federal Government has approved a monthly transport allowance of ₦70,000 for Nigerian workers for six months, starting in November 2026.
The decision followed a meeting between government representatives and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
According to the resolutions reached at the meeting, the allowance is part of efforts to ease workers’ financial difficulties caused by rising living costs and fuel prices.
The government also approved the payment of outstanding peculiar allowances, with payments expected to begin in November and be completed in three monthly instalments. The allowances will take effect from May 1, 2026.
In addition, 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers will be paid within three months, starting in December 2026.
On the proposed minimum wage review, both parties agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be formed and begin work immediately. However, they have yet to agree on when the new minimum wage will take effect.
The meeting also discussed hazard allowances for agricultural officers. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and the estimated cost to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for verification. The process is expected to be completed within two weeks.
The commission is also expected to complete a review of the cost of adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) within three weeks. The assessment will guide the Presidential Committee on Salaries in making a decision.
Meanwhile, the issue of tax relief for workers will be referred to the National Economic Council (NEC) for consideration.
The meeting followed concerns raised by the NLC over delays in resolving issues affecting workers’ welfare. The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the concerns through continued engagement with labour unions.
The resolutions also called on state and local governments to participate in implementing the agreed measures and urged labour unions to monitor their implementation.
Both parties agreed to meet again in one month to review progress.
Government officials at the meeting included the Director-General of Budget, Tanimu Yakubu, and the Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Garba Abdul S.U.
