Nigeria labour leaders clash over N70,000 transport allowance

A significant rift has emerged between Nigeria’s two primary labour organisations, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), following the Federal Government’s announcement of a N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants.

NLC President Joe Ajaero maintains that the allowance was secured through collective bargaining after the union issued an ultimatum to the government. Ajaero argues that the NLC has the right to negotiate independently based on International Labour Organization principles of majority representation. Conversely, TUC President Festus Osifo has rejected the agreement, advocating for permanent salary increases rather than a six-month temporary palliative.

The dispute has escalated into personal hostilities, with Ajaero accusing Osifo of being an absentee leader residing in the United States. The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has defended the government’s decision, stating that the TUC was not part of the negotiations and that the agreement will proceed with implementation starting in November 2026.