The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached an agreement on a series of measures aimed at addressing workers’ welfare, including a ₦70,000 transport intervention for six months and the payment of outstanding allowances to eligible workers.
The resolutions were reached at conciliation meetings held on October 22 and 27, 2026, at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.
The meetings were convened by the ministry following a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s Central Working Committee and National Executive Council.
The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, while the NLC delegation was led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
Under the agreement, the Federal Government will pay a ₦70,000 transport intervention across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026.
The government also approved the payment of peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026, with disbursement scheduled to begin in November.
The arrears will be paid in three equal monthly instalments.
In another development, the government agreed to redeem 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers within three months, beginning in December 2026.
Minimum Wage Negotiations to Begin Immediately
On the national minimum wage, both parties agreed that a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and begin meetings immediately.
However, the government and labour leaders have yet to agree on the effective date for implementing the proposed minimum wage arrangement.
The issue of tax relief for workers will also be presented to the NLC’s National Executive Council, as the parties noted that taxation is a statutory matter.
Agricultural Workers, Health Professionals Get Attention
The meeting further addressed the outstanding hazard allowance for agricultural workers.
According to the resolutions, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and the financial implications to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for verification.
The verification process is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the commission will issue an implementation template.
On the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment, the commission is expected to complete an update of the cost implications within three weeks.
The updated figures will enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to take a decision on the adjustment.
The Federal Government and the NLC also called on state and local governments to participate in the intervention process.
Labour unions were encouraged to pursue the implementation of the agreed measures at their respective levels.
Both parties agreed to reconvene after one month to assess the progress made in implementing the resolutions.
Those in attendance included the Director-General of Budget, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu; the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Garba Abdul S.U.; the Labour Minister, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero; and the National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga.
The statement was signed by Annah Daniel, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, on October 27, 2026.
