The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has criticised the Trade Union Congress for rejecting the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 transport allowance, questioning why the union opposed an agreement it was not part of.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Thursday, Ajaero explained that the NLC had negotiated independently with the government, making it clear from the beginning that the TUC was not involved in the process.
He argued that since the TUC did not participate in the negotiations or sign the agreement, it should not oppose the outcome. He also suggested that the union could have pushed for a higher allowance instead, allowing both labour organisations to work towards a common agreement with the government.
Ajaero traced the disagreement to an earlier position reportedly taken by the TUC president, Festus Osifo, who said negotiations on the minimum wage would become due in August 2027. The NLC president disagreed, maintaining that the position was inconsistent with the law, and proceeded with separate discussions with the Federal Government.
He also expressed concern that the TUC had distanced itself from the negotiations after reports suggested that both labour organisations were jointly engaging the government.
Meanwhile, the TUC has rejected the proposed ₦70,000 transport allowance, arguing that temporary wage awards would not adequately address the economic difficulties facing Nigerian workers.
The union is instead demanding an immediate salary increase, alongside the fulfilment of outstanding government commitments to workers, including agreements concerning health sector employees.
The news highlights a disagreement between the NLC and TUC over the ₦70,000 transport allowance proposed by the Federal Government. While the NLC defends its negotiations, the TUC argues that workers need a salary increase and the fulfilment of outstanding government commitments.
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