TUC Seeks ₦300,000 Minimum Salary, Rejects FG’s ₦70,000 Allowance

Nigerian workers struggling with rising food prices, transportation costs and other household expenses may have to wait longer for improved earnings, as the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 wage award, demanding an immediate salary increase instead.

The labour organisation said temporary allowances were insufficient to ease the financial pressure on workers, urging the government to introduce a permanent pay rise that would provide more reliable relief to employees and their families.

The TUC proposed that the salary of the lowest-paid worker should be increased to ₦300,000 from the current ₦70,000, with corresponding adjustments to other salary levels.

The congress made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.A. Toro, following a National Administrative Council meeting held in Abuja on October 8, 2026.

According to the organisation, workers are facing mounting difficulties in meeting basic needs, including feeding, transportation, healthcare and other essential expenses, making a substantial salary review necessary.

The congress said it had written to the Federal Government through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, seeking an urgent review of workers’ salaries.

It argued that the government did not have to wait for negotiations on the national minimum wage before increasing salaries, noting that there was no legal ceiling on how much an employer could pay workers.

“The negotiation of a new national minimum wage must not become an excuse for postponing urgent pay increment,” the TUC stated.

Unpaid allowances deepen workers’ concerns

The labour body also expressed concern over the alleged incomplete implementation of the wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023.

According to the TUC, some workers are still owed one or two months’ payments, while others have reportedly not received the allowance at all.

It further alleged that payments were irregular for some beneficiaries, forcing workers to repeatedly demand their entitlements.

The congress claimed that more than 80 per cent of states and workers in the informal sector had not benefited from any form of wage award.

It questioned the rationale for introducing another temporary payment arrangement when the previous one had allegedly failed to reach workers consistently.

The TUC maintained that a permanent salary increase would offer greater certainty to workers struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.

Beyond improved remuneration, it called on the federal, state and local governments to introduce practical measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services.

It also urged the authorities to ensure prompt payment of salaries and pensions, protect existing jobs, curb exploitative labour practices and strengthen the productive sector to generate decent employment.

Health workers await outstanding agreement

The TUC also raised concerns over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to implement an agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) concerning the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

According to the congress, the agreement followed negotiations aimed at resolving a dispute that had triggered industrial action by health workers.

The union suspended its strike after the parties reached an understanding at a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

However, the TUC alleged that seven months after the agreement, the salary adjustment remained outstanding despite the health workers having fulfilled their part of the arrangement.

The congress demanded immediate implementation of the CONHESS adjustment, a clear timetable for payment, the necessary budgetary provisions and the resolution of outstanding issues in consultation with the unions.

It warned that continued delays could undermine trust in collective bargaining and discourage workers from accepting negotiated settlements in good faith.

The TUC said it was awaiting the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before determining its next line of action.

Although it did not announce an immediate nationwide strike, the congress pledged to support affected workers and pursue lawful measures to ensure that the government honours its commitments.

The dispute comes amid continuing concerns over workers’ purchasing power following the increase in the statutory minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 in 2024.

For many employees, the TUC’s latest demands reflect a broader struggle to ensure that earnings keep pace with the rising cost of everyday necessities.

The congress insisted that workers were not seeking special favours but fair remuneration, improved living conditions and respect for agreements reached with their representatives.