N70,000 Transport Allowance: ‘We Still Want N500,000 Minimum Wage’ – Labour Insists

Organised labour has reiterated its demand for a N500,000 nationwide minimal wage, insisting that the proposal displays the present financial realities dealing with Nigerian staff regardless of ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government.

National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Comrade Gbenga Olowoyo, said that labour remained dedicated to the proposed wage however was prepared to have interaction constructively with the federal government to succeed in a mutually acceptable settlement.

Speaking throughout an interview on Arise News following a six-hour assembly between labour leaders and authorities representatives, Olowoyo described the discussions as productive and expressed optimism concerning the final result.

He welcomed the Federal Government’s choice to offer staff with a month-to-month transport allowance of N70,000 for six months, starting in November 2026, noting that the intervention would assist cushion the influence of rising transportation prices and gas costs.

According to him, the transport help demonstrates the federal government’s willingness to deal with staff’ considerations and supply instant aid whereas negotiations over a brand new minimal wage proceed.

Olowoyo defined that the allowance is meant to learn staff throughout all ranges, notably these most affected by the growing value of dwelling. However, he harassed that the measure ought to solely be considered as a brief answer.

He maintained that organised labour had not deserted its demand for a N500,000 minimal wage, including that the proposal was based mostly on the monetary obligations staff bear, together with household repairs, college charges, and different family bills.

While insisting on the necessity for a considerable wage improve, he stated labour would stay versatile throughout negotiations and was ready to help any cheap settlement that considerably improves staff’ welfare. The labour chief additionally expressed confidence that discussions would progress by means of the proposed tripartite committee anticipated to barter a brand new wage construction. He famous that the settlement reached with the federal government signalled a dedication to discovering a long-lasting answer to the minimal wage concern.

Olowoyo additional said that the advantages of the continued negotiations would lengthen past the unions instantly concerned, highlighting the broad illustration of staff by means of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions.

He expressed confidence that the federal government would fulfil its dedication to the N70,000 month-to-month transport help, describing the signed settlement as binding on each events. The transport intervention is predicted to run from November 2026 to April 2027, with organised labour hopeful that negotiations on a brand new minimal wage shall be concluded earlier than the programme ends.

Despite welcoming the momentary aid, Olowoyo reiterated that labour’s final objective stays the institution of a minimal wage that adequately displays the financial challenges confronting Nigerian staff.

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