Nigeria Trade Union Congress rejects wage award, demands salary increase

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected proposals for a new wage award, instead demanding a sustainable salary increase to combat the rising cost of living and improve workers’ purchasing power. The TUC argued that a permanent salary increase provides more meaningful relief than temporary interventions.

The Congress noted that the Federal Government failed to fully implement a 2023 wage award palliative agreement, where workers reportedly received only three months of payments out of an agreed ten months. The TUC emphasized that the national minimum wage should serve as a statutory floor for earnings rather than a ceiling.

Concurrently, former leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the TUC have initiated reconciliation efforts to resolve a rift between NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo. The dispute arose following the government's approval of a 70,000 Naira transport allowance. Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba stated that veterans from both organizations met to address the misunderstanding and urged for unity within the labour sector.