Nigeria News | October 28, 2026

The Federal Government has approved a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers for six months, beginning in November 2026, following an agreement reached with the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) during a conciliation meeting in Abuja on October 27.

The intervention is intended to help cushion the impact of rising transportation costs and the broader cost-of-living pressures affecting Nigerian workers. The agreement was documented in a memorandum of understanding signed by government and labor representatives.

Key Details of the Agreement

• Transport support: ₦70,000 monthly for six months, starting November 2026.
• Outstanding allowances: Payment of peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026, will begin in November in three equal monthly installments.
• Health workers: Nineteen months of outstanding allowances are scheduled to be settled within three months, beginning in December 2026.
• Minimum wage negotiations: The government and labour representatives agreed to establish a committee to begin negotiations immediately, although they did not agree on the effective date for implementing the outcome.
• Other welfare issues: Discussions covered agricultural officers' hazard allowances, health workers' remuneration and tax relief for workers.

What Workers Need to Know

Although the agreement states that the intervention will apply across public service levels, the precise eligibility criteria and payment arrangements have not yet been clarified. State and local governments have been urged to participate, but the agreement does not establish that all state and local government workers will automatically receive the allowance.

The Federal Government and the NLC are expected to meet again after one month to review implementation.

The development follows sustained labor demands for measures to address the rising cost of living, improve workers' welfare and resolve outstanding agreements.

Note:

The six-month transport intervention represents a temporary financial measure for eligible public service workers. However, its practical impact will depend on timely disbursement, clear eligibility rules and effective implementation. Negotiations on the minimum wage and several other welfare demands remain ongoing.

Source: Leadership Newspaper | Channels Television | The Punch