The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the ₦70,000proposed by the Federal Government as wage award, and demanded an immediate salary increase for workers and suggesting that the lowest-paid federal worker’s salary could be raised to ₦300,000.
The congress described the proposed transport allowance as temporary and inadequate, arguing that it would not provide sustainable relief amid the rising cost of living.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the TUC maintained that the government could increase workers’ salaries without negotiating another national minimum wage, noting that there is no law prescribing a maximum wage.
It also pointed out that some state governments had already raised their minimum wages above ₦100,000, arguing that the Federal Government could adopt a more substantial pay increase, with corresponding adjustments across salary grades.
The congress insisted that workers needed a lasting improvement in their earnings rather than temporary interventions that might fail to address their financial difficulties.
The labour body said its rejection of the proposed ₦70,000 allowance was informed partly by the government’s record in implementing previous agreements.
It recalled that a wage award agreed upon on October 2, 2023, had not been implemented comprehensively, leaving some workers unpaid or without the full benefit of the arrangement.
According to the TUC, the failure to honour previous commitments undermines workers’ confidence in the collective bargaining process and raises concerns about the government’s willingness to fulfil new agreements.
The congress called for tangible action, a clear implementation timetable and adequate budgetary provisions for any proposed salary adjustments.
The TUC also demanded the immediate implementation of the agreed adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
It said seven months had passed since the agreement was reached, yet the adjustment remained unimplemented.
The congress called on the government to honour the terms of settlement that led to JOHESU suspending its industrial action, warning that outstanding commitments must be resolved to sustain confidence in agreements reached with organised labour.
The TUC said it was awaiting the final outcome of a scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next line of action.
It demanded concrete commitments on salary increases, the implementation of the JOHESU agreement and the settlement of outstanding wage-related issues.
The congress maintained that workers required meaningful and sustainable improvements in their earnings, rather than temporary wage awards that might not provide lasting relief.
The TUC’s proposed ₦300,000 pay level is a demand for the government to consider, not an approved salary increase.
