FG, Labor Sets November Date for ₦70,000 Semi-Annual Transportation Support for Workers – THIS AGE

By Victor Osula, Abuja

The federal government and the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) have reached an agreement on key issues relating to workers’ welfare, with the government approving a ₦70,000 transport intervention for workers at all levels for six months, starting from November 2026.

The agreement was reached during conciliation meetings called by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment on October 22 and 27, following renewed commitments between the government and trade unions on workers’ welfare, rising costs of living and pending agreements.

The meetings were chaired by the Minister of Labor and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, while the NLC delegation was led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

The resolution was signed by Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labor and Employment, Mr Tanimu Yakubu, Director General of Budget and Dr Garba Abdul, Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Social Service, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, on behalf of the Federal Government.

Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, and Olowoye Gbenga, national secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) signed for the unions.

The resolution stated that the transport intervention would begin in November 2026 and cover workers at all levels for six months.

“The transport intervention of N70,000 starting November 2026 would be paid across all levels for a period of six months,” he said.

The meeting also agreed that payment of outstanding benefits will begin in November 2026, with outstanding amounts being paid in three equal monthly installments.

The resolution stated that the special allowance had been approved by the federal government, effective May 1, 2026.

It added that the arrears will be paid in three equal installments starting from November 2026.

The meeting also agreed that 19 months of compensation owed to healthcare workers would be redeemed within three months, starting from December 2026.

Regarding the national minimum wage, the parties agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee will be established and begin meetings immediately.

However, the resolution noted that both parties did not agree on the effective date for implementing the minimum wage.

Regarding tax relief for workers, the assembly decided that the matter will be referred to the National Executive Council, since taxation is a legal issue.

It further states that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and cost implications for agricultural workers hazard pay to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for verification.

He added that the verification is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the commission will issue the implementation model.

On the Consolidated Healthcare Payroll Structure (CONHESS), the NSIWC was expected to complete an updated cost assessment within three weeks to allow the Presidential Payroll Committee to decide on the adjustment.

The resolution urges state and local governments to participate in the intervention process and calls on unions to pursue implementation of the agreed upon measures.

He added that both sides will meet again after a month to assess the level of implementation of the resolutions.

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