FG, Labour Reach Agreement: N70,000 Monthly Transport Support Approved, Minimum Wage Talks Set
The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) signed a resolution on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, approving a six-month palliative package to cushion economic hardship for public sector workers, while agreeing to immediately set up a panel to negotiate a new National Minimum Wage.
The agreement followed conciliation sessions convened on October 22 and 27 by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, in response to resolutions passed by the NLC’s Central Working Committee and National Executive Council.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AGREEMENT
N70,000 Transport Relief: Public service workers across all levels will receive a temporary monthly transport allowance of N70,000 for six months, effective November 2026.
MINIMUM WAGE NEGOTIATIONS: A Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee will be constituted immediately to kick off formal discussions. However, both parties noted an ongoing deadlock regarding the exact effective implementation date.
PECULIAR ALLOWANCE & ARREARS: The Federal Government formally approved the Peculiar Allowance retroactively from May 1, 2026. Outstanding arrears will be disbursed in three equal monthly installments starting in November 2026.
HEALTH WORKERS BACK PAY: Health sector workers are set to receive 19 months of accumulated allowance arrears within a three-month window beginning December 2026.
Sectoral Adjustments & Tax Considerations
Tax Relief: The demand for worker tax relief was referred to the National Executive Council (NEC) due to statutory requirements governing tax policy.
Agricultural Hazard Allowance: Verification of beneficiaries and cost implications for agricultural officers is underway by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC). The template for implementation is expected within two weeks.
CONHESS Adjustment: The NSIWC committed to finalizing cost updates within three weeks to enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to rule on the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment.
IMPLEMENTATION AT LOWER TIERS
The resolution called on State and Local Governments to adopt similar intervention measures to support local workforces, urging labor unions to drive implementation at the sub-national level.
The document was signed by Government representatives—including Budget DG Tanimu Yakubu and Permanent Secretary Dr. Garba Abdul S.U.—and NLC leadership, including NLC President Joe Ajaero and JNPSNC National Secretary Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga.
Both parties agreed to reconvene in late November 2026 to assess the implementation progress of all signed resolutions.