JUST IN: FG Approves N70,000 Monthly Transport Allowance for Workers

SNOW TV NEWS DESK

The Federal Government has approved a monthly transport allowance of N70,000 for public servants for six months, beginning in November 2026, to cushion the impact of rising living costs.

The approval followed a conciliation meeting between the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, where both parties discussed workers’ welfare, outstanding allowances, and minimum wage implementation.

According to a memorandum of understanding signed at the meeting, the government also approved the payment of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026. The arrears will be paid in three equal monthly installments beginning in November.

The agreement further provides for the settlement of 19 months of outstanding allowances for health workers within three months, starting in December 2026.

However, the government and organized labor failed to agree on the effective date for implementing the national minimum wage. Both parties agreed to immediately constitute a tripartite Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee comprising representatives of the government, workers, and employers.

The memorandum also addressed the proposed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), hazard allowances for agricultural officers, and tax relief for workers. The relevant government agencies are expected to undertake further assessments and verification before implementation.

The NLC Assistant Secretary-General, Chris Onyeka, described the meeting as productive but said the outcome fell short of labor’s expectations.

The parties agreed to reconvene after one month to review the implementation of the resolutions. State and local governments were also urged to participate in the intervention process.

The agreement comes amid persistent concerns over rising transportation costs, food prices, and other essential expenses that have weakened workers’ purchasing power.

SNOW TV EDITORIAL ANALYSIS

The approval of the N70,000 monthly transport allowance is a welcome intervention, particularly as rising living costs continue to place pressure on Nigerian workers. However, its six-month duration raises questions about the sustainability of the relief.

While the allowance may provide temporary support, it does not address the underlying causes of the cost-of-living crisis. The unresolved minimum wage implementation date also highlights the gap between government commitments and workers’ expectations.

The federal government must ensure prompt and transparent payments while expediting negotiations on outstanding welfare issues. Ultimately, meaningful relief will depend not only on temporary allowances but also on sustainable wage policies, effective economic management, and measures to improve workers’ purchasing power.