FG Approves N70,000 Monthly Transport Support for Workers

​ABUJA — In a move to mitigate soaring living costs, the Federal Government has approved a N70,000 monthly transport intervention fund for public service workers across all levels. The relief package is set to run for six months, commencing in November 2026.

​The decision forms part of a series of resolutions reached late Tuesday during a high-stakes conciliation meeting between federal authorities and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja.

​Key Outcomes of the Conciliation Meeting

• ​Transport Intervention: A monthly payout of N70,000 to public servants across all cadres for six months, starting November 2026.
• ​Peculiar Allowances: Approval for the payment of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears, backdated to May 1, 2026, which will be disbursed in three equal monthly installments starting in November.
• ​Minimum Wage Deadlock: While both parties agreed to immediately constitute and launch the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, a definitive implementation date for structural wage adjustments remains unresolved.

​The memorandum of understanding was officially signed by key government and labor figures, including Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Budget Director-General Timi Yakubu, Permanent Secretary for Service Welfare Dr. Garba Abdul S.U., and NLC President Joe Ajaero.

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​Background and Ongoing Tensions

​The agreement comes against the backdrop of intense economic pressure triggered by the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, which drastically inflated transportation and commodity prices nationwide.

​While the NLC leadership acknowledged the government’s concessions on transport support and allowance arrears, they expressed reservations regarding the administration’s broader approach to resolving systemic worker welfare issues. Labor representatives maintain that while these short-term cushions are welcome steps, broader structural adjustments are vital to safeguard the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

​Discussions are expected to resume shortly as the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee sets its agenda to iron out pending differences regarding implementation timelines.