N70,000 transport allowance: ‘We still want N500,000 minimum wage’ – Labour insists
Labour Leader Reaffirms Demand for Minimum Wage Increase Amid Rising Living Costs
The National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Comrade Gbenga Olowoyo, reiterated organized labor’s demand for a minimum wage of N500,000, emphasizing that this figure represents the financial challenges faced by Nigerian workers as living costs continue to rise.
During an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, Olowoyo stated that labor remains committed to its proposed wage but is willing to engage in reasonable negotiations with the Federal Government to enhance workers’ welfare. His comments followed a lengthy meeting between organized labor and government representatives that lasted over six hours, where the welfare of workers and strategies to mitigate the impact of escalating petrol prices were discussed.
Olowoyo welcomed the government’s decision to provide N70,000 in monthly transportation support for six months, starting in November. He described this intervention as a positive outcome of the negotiations, reflecting the government’s acknowledgment of workers’ needs.
“This agreement shows the government’s willingness to address worker concerns, and we expect it to be implemented as promised,” Olowoyo said. He noted that the transport support is intended to assist workers across various sectors, particularly those at the grassroots level, in light of the rising costs of transportation and fuel.
While expressing gratitude for the transport assistance, Olowoyo insisted that it must be considered temporary relief, as discussions regarding a new minimum wage are ongoing. “The N500,000 template is still in place. If the government can approach that figure, we would be prepared to support the President,” he added.
Olowoyo explained that the proposed minimum wage takes into account the financial responsibilities workers face, including supporting their families and covering educational costs. Although labor is firm in its demands, he emphasized a willingness to negotiate with the government to find a mutually agreeable minimum wage.
He expressed optimism that the recent agreement with the government would pave the way for further discussions, particularly about establishing a tripartite committee to address the new minimum wage—a key demand from labor.
The secretary noted that the agreement would benefit a broad spectrum of workers, extending beyond the unions involved in the negotiations, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) encompasses over 40 affiliate unions. The negotiations initially involved the JNPSNC and eight unions, before the NLC joined, broadening representation.
Olowoyo asserted that the outcomes should be recognized as a collective achievement for all Nigerian workers, regardless of their union affiliation. He expressed confidence that the government would fulfill the N70,000 monthly transport support, characterizing the signed agreement as a commitment that both parties are expected to adhere to.
This transport assistance is set to be provided from November 2026 to April 2027. Olowoyo conveyed hope that negotiations for a new minimum wage would conclude before this interim measure expires. “We trust the government will implement this commitment, as it is a necessary step toward addressing workers’ immediate challenges, while we maintain our demand for a higher minimum wage,” he said.
Olowoyo concluded that the months ahead represent a critical opportunity for both the government and organized labor to resolve outstanding issues and achieve an agreement that reflects the economic realities facing Nigerian workers.
