The Federal Government has approved a ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026, as part of efforts to ease the effects of economic hardship on Nigerian workers.
Drivetvnews gathered that the approval was among the resolutions reached at a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The resolutions were signed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero; Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu; Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Garba Abdul; and National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Gbenga Olowoyo.
The meeting also agreed that payment of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears, approved with effect from May 1, 2026, would begin in November. The arrears will be paid in three equal monthly instalments.
Similarly, the Federal Government agreed to settle 19 months of outstanding allowance arrears owed to health workers within three months, beginning in December 2026.
Minimum Wage Negotiations to Begin Immediately
On the national minimum wage, the government and labour representatives agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and begin meetings immediately.
However, both parties did not reach an agreement on the effective date for implementing the proposed minimum wage.
The meeting also considered labour’s demand for tax relief for workers. The parties resolved that the matter would be referred to the National Economic Council (NEC) because taxation is a statutory issue.
Hazard Allowances and Health Workers’ Salaries
Regarding hazard allowances for agricultural officers, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had submitted the list of beneficiaries and the financial implications to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for verification.
The verification process is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the commission will issue a template to guide implementation.
On the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the NSIWC promised to complete an update of the cost implications within three weeks.
The updated figures will enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to consider the matter and make a decision.
The Federal Government and the NLC also called on state and local governments to participate in the intervention process. Labour unions were encouraged to pursue the implementation of the agreed resolutions.
Both parties are expected to reconvene in one month to review progress made in implementing the agreements.
