By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Federal Government has approved a monthly transport allowance of ₦70,000 for Nigerian workers for six months, beginning in November 2026, to cushion the impact of rising petroleum prices.
The approval was one of the resolutions reached at a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
According to a memorandum issued after the meeting, the government agreed to commence payment of the allowance in November, with workers across all levels eligible to benefit for six months.
The memorandum stated that the “transport intervention of Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000) commencing from November 2026 would be paid across all levels for a period of six months.”
The meeting also resolved that a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and begin work immediately.
On outstanding allowances, the government agreed to pay the arrears of peculiar allowances in three equal monthly instalments, beginning in November 2026.
Similarly, 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers are to be cleared within three months, starting in December 2026.
The issue of tax relief was also discussed, with the meeting agreeing that the matter would be referred to the National Economic Council (NEC) for consideration.
The memorandum further disclosed that the NLC expressed concern over the Federal Government’s handling of its demands.
In response, the government reaffirmed its recognition of organised labour’s right to advocate improved working conditions, while assuring the Congress of its commitment to addressing the issues raised.
The government was quoted as saying it “fully respect the right of the Congress to advocate for improved working conditions for Nigerian workers, and is genuinely trying to address every aspect of it through a structured intervention.”
The resolutions are aimed at addressing workers’ concerns over rising transportation costs, outstanding allowances and other demands arising from the impact of increased petroleum prices.