The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria says the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 transport allowance does not address the long-term income challenges facing workers, insisting that the money should become a permanent part of their monthly salaries.

The Congress’ Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, made the position known during an interview on Wednesday, explaining that the proposed intervention would last only six months and could leave workers without the benefit once the payment period expires.

Toro cited previous government wage interventions as a reason for the union’s position, claiming that some ministries, departments, agencies and government parastatals have yet to pay the N40,000 wage award introduced in 2023.

He argued that incorporating the N70,000 into workers’ transport or housing allowances would provide a more sustainable arrangement. According to him, such an adjustment could raise the value of the existing minimum wage to about N140,000 and strengthen workers’ position in future wage negotiations.

The union also questioned what would happen if a new minimum wage agreement was not reached before the proposed six-month payment period ended. It says workers should not face uncertainty over an intervention intended to ease their financial burden.

Beyond the payment structure, the TUC raised concerns about the exclusion of some public service unions from the negotiations and pointed to outstanding agreements with the Federal Government, including commitments involving judicial workers.

Toro said the Congress had submitted its demands before the transport allowance was announced and that discussions were continuing with a government delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The TUC is also proposing a minimum salary of N300,000 for the lowest-paid worker, maintaining that lasting improvements in workers’ earnings should take priority over temporary relief.