Federal Government and NLC Reach Agreement on Transport Intervention and Workers' Welfare
The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached a significant agreement aimed at alleviating the economic pressures faced by Nigerian workers. The resolution, stemming from conciliation meetings held on October 22 and concluded on October 27, 2026, includes a ₦70,000 transport intervention for workers across all levels for a period of six months, commencing in November 2026.
In addition to the transport allowance, the agreement addresses several other key worker welfare issues. Payment of arrears for the 'peculiar allowance' has been approved, effective from May 1, 2026, with the arrears to be paid in three equal monthly installments starting in November 2026. Furthermore, 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers will be disbursed within three months, beginning in December 2026.
The meetings were convened to address concerns raised by the NLC regarding the rising cost of living, the implementation of the National Minimum Wage, petroleum prices, and other outstanding welfare matters. A crucial outcome of the discussions is the agreement to constitute a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, which will commence work immediately. However, a disagreement persists between the Federal Government and the NLC regarding the effective date for the implementation of a new national minimum wage.
Other issues discussed and agreed upon include the verification of hazard allowances for agricultural officers, with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) expected to complete verification within two weeks. The NSIWC will also assess the cost implications of the proposed adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) within three weeks.
The agreement was signed by representatives of both the Federal Government, including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and the NLC, led by its President, Joe Ajaero. Both parties have agreed to reconvene in one month to review the implementation status of these resolutions.
The resolutions come in response to mounting pressure from organized labor for measures to cushion the economic impact of rising living costs on workers.
In addition to the transport allowance, the agreement addresses several other key worker welfare issues. Payment of arrears for the 'peculiar allowance' has been approved, effective from May 1, 2026, with the arrears to be paid in three equal monthly installments starting in November 2026. Furthermore, 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers will be disbursed within three months, beginning in December 2026.
The meetings were convened to address concerns raised by the NLC regarding the rising cost of living, the implementation of the National Minimum Wage, petroleum prices, and other outstanding welfare matters. A crucial outcome of the discussions is the agreement to constitute a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, which will commence work immediately. However, a disagreement persists between the Federal Government and the NLC regarding the effective date for the implementation of a new national minimum wage.
Other issues discussed and agreed upon include the verification of hazard allowances for agricultural officers, with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) expected to complete verification within two weeks. The NSIWC will also assess the cost implications of the proposed adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) within three weeks.
The agreement was signed by representatives of both the Federal Government, including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and the NLC, led by its President, Joe Ajaero. Both parties have agreed to reconvene in one month to review the implementation status of these resolutions.
The resolutions come in response to mounting pressure from organized labor for measures to cushion the economic impact of rising living costs on workers.
This article and image are AI generated. For informational purposes only.