Oshiomhole backs ₦70,000 transport allowance; TUC seeks salary increase
The allowance is scheduled to run for six months from November. Labour groups differ over whether workers need temporary support or a lasting pay rise.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has backed the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance, saying it would help workers meet their costs.
The Edo North senator spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, November 5. His comments followed the Trade Union Congress’s October 28 rejection of the temporary allowance in favour of a salary increase.
What the allowance covers
The government announced the allowance after an October 27 meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Reports describe a monthly payment of ₦70,000 for six months, starting in November 2026. However, their descriptions of eligible workers differ. Reuters refers to federal government workers, while other reports use the broader phrase “public service workers across all levels.”
These descriptions do not confirm that private-sector workers or every state government employee qualify. The implementation circular is needed to establish exactly who is covered.
Why TUC wants a salary increase
TUC argues that workers need a lasting improvement in pay rather than support that ends after six months.
In its October 28 statement, signed by president Festus Osifo and secretary-general Nuhu Toro, the congress called for higher salaries. It also urged the government to honour outstanding agreements with health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions.
Oshiomhole emphasised the allowance’s immediate value. He used the example of someone earning ₦70,000 receiving another ₦70,000.
That example describes the potential addition to a recipient’s income. It does not mean the allowance permanently doubles salaries or changes salary scales.
Other labour representatives support the deal
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council has defended the agreement.
According to The Guardian, the council said the allowance would help workers cope with rising transport costs. It also maintained that TUC’s opposition would not stop implementation.
The debate is therefore about both immediate help and lasting support. Oshiomhole and the council highlight the allowance’s short-term value, while TUC wants a permanent salary adjustment.
The announced start month is November 2026. IDNN has not independently verified payments across the eligible workforce. The implementation circular needed to confirm precise coverage was also unavailable for this report.
