The Federal Government has approved a monthly transport allowance of ₦70,000 for public service workers for six months, beginning in November 2026, following an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on workers’ welfare and outstanding financial entitlements.

The decision was reached at a conciliation meeting between government representatives and organised labour in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, amid concerns over rising living costs and demands for improved working conditions.

Under the agreement, the government also approved the payment of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026. The arrears are to be paid in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November, although the agreement did not specify the total amount involved or the individual payment breakdown. 

The meeting, convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, was chaired by the Minister, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, while NLC President Joe Ajaero led the labour delegation. The resolutions were documented in a memorandum of understanding signed by representatives of both parties. 

Despite the agreements, the government and labour leaders failed to reach a consensus on the effective date for implementing the national minimum wage arrangements under discussion. Both sides, however, agreed to constitute a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee and begin meetings immediately to address the outstanding disagreement.

The agreement also provides for the settlement of 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers within three months, beginning in December 2026. The government further indicated that the proposed hazard allowances for agricultural workers were undergoing verification by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

On the proposed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, the commission is expected to update the cost implications within three weeks to enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to consider the matter. The question of tax relief for workers is to be referred to the NLC’s National Executive Council, while state and local governments were urged to participate in the intervention process.

The government and labour representatives agreed to reconvene after one month to review implementation of the resolutions. However, the memorandum did not specify the precise monthly payment dates or administrative arrangements for disbursing the transport allowance, leaving workers awaiting further details on how the intervention will be implemented.