Barely 24 hours after the federal authorities accepted N70,000 transport allowance for Nigerian employees, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Wednesday rejected the provide, demanding a direct wage improve and full implementation of the settlement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The congress mentioned momentary wage awards have been insufficient to deal with the financial hardship dealing with employees, insisting that the federal government might elevate salaries with out ready for negotiations on a brand new nationwide minimal wage.
In an announcement signed by its President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade N. A. Toro, the TUC mentioned it conveyed its calls for to the federal government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, following a gathering of its National Administrative Council in Abuja.
It mentioned subsequent consultations with authorities officers, together with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, failed to vary its opposition to the proposed wage award.
The congress argued that no regulation required the federal government to barter a brand new minimal wage earlier than rising salaries, noting that there was no authorized ceiling on employees’ pay.
It proposed elevating the salaries of the lowest-paid federal employees from N70,000 to N300,000, with corresponding changes throughout different wage grades.
The TUC additionally cited the alleged failure to completely implement the N40,000 wage award agreed by the federal government and organised labour on October 2, 2023. It mentioned some employees remained unpaid for one or two months, whereas others obtained nothing.
TUC mentioned, funds to beneficiaries have been additionally irregular, typically separated by one or two months, the congress alleged, including that greater than 80 per cent of states and the casual sector didn’t implement any type of wage award.
It insisted that wage will increase, moderately than momentary reduction, supplied employees extra dependable assist amid rising residing prices.
The assertion reads, “Salary will increase and never momentary and haphazard measures
In the mentioned letter, our place was very clear, Federal Government ought to evaluate improve salaries of employees. This was hinged on the truth that authorities doesn’t require minimal wage to be negotiated earlier than rising employees’ pay as there isn’t a most wage regulation within the nation.
Some states at present have raised their minimal wage above N100,000 such that federal authorities can elevate the pay of the bottom employee to N300,000 for instance from the present N70,000 after which apply the relevant consequential adjustment. While it’s good to barter minimal wage which is able to have an effect on different cadre of employees, FGN should elevate wage stage instantly as there are not any regulation or historic practices stopping it from doing so”.
“Following the letter, the management of congress had consultative conferences with FG officers together with the Secretary of the Government of the Federation the place our place as said within the letter was additional canvassed. The proposal of wage award was talked about however we vehemently rejected.
Negotiations of a brand new nationwide minimal wage should not turn out to be an excuse for suspending pressing pay increment.”
“TUC then calls on governments in any respect ranges to implement measurable interventions to scale back the price of important items and companies, guarantee well timed cost of salaries and pensions, defend present jobs, curb exploitative labour practices and revitalize the productive sector to create first rate employment.
While the employees have stored their aspect of the discount, the federal government hasn’t stored its aspect of the settlement.
This continued failure to honour an specific dedication violates the precept of excellent religion, undermines confidence in collective bargaining and is completely unacceptable to the TUC.”
“The TUC demands tangible action, not further assurances. It will stand firmly with the affected affiliates and health workers and pursue every lawful and legitimate measure necessary to secure compliance.”
Workers’ welfare just isn’t a privilege. Agreements should be honoured. Workers’ rights should be revered. Government should comply.”
The TUC additionally accused the Federal Government of failing to honour its settlement with JOHESU, seven months after the unions suspended their industrial motion.
It mentioned Osifo led organised labour’s efforts to resolve the dispute, culminating in a conciliation assembly on the workplace of the Minister of Labour and Employment, the place each events signed an settlement.
The authorities delegation included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; the Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate; and the then Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
According to the TUC, the settlement supplied for the immediate decision of excellent points regarding the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment.
However, the congress mentioned the adjustment remained unimplemented, regardless of JOHESU suspending its strike in good religion.
It described the delay as a breach of belief that undermined collective bargaining and demanded instant implementation of the adjustment, a transparent timetable, ample budgetary provisions and consultations with the affected unions.
The TUC warned that well being employees shouldn’t be anticipated to proceed offering important companies whereas the federal government didn’t honour its commitments.
It mentioned it could pursue all lawful measures to safe compliance and was awaiting the end result of a scheduled assembly with the federal government earlier than deciding its subsequent plan of action.
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