The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 monthly wage award for federal workers, insisting that the government can afford to increase the salary of the lowest-paid worker to N300,000.
The proposal followed a meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.
In a statement signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary, Nuhu Toro, the TUC said workers needed a meaningful salary increase rather than temporary financial support that might not reach everyone.
The union also called for the implementation of the agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, citing the economic difficulties facing workers and other Nigerians.
“Our position is unequivocal: workers are not asking for favours; they are demanding social and economic justice that protects their dignity and livelihoods,” the statement said.
The TUC argued that the previous wage award introduced in October 2023 was not fully implemented before a new minimum wage was agreed in 2024.
According to the union, some workers were paid for only one or two months, while others received nothing.
It also criticised the irregular payment of the earlier N40,000 wage award, saying some workers received payments covering up to four months but not on a consistent monthly basis.
The union further claimed that more than 80 per cent of state governments and the informal sector did not implement any form of wage award.
It questioned why the government was proposing another temporary payment when previous commitments remained unfulfilled.
“How can workers be expected to trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding?” the TUC asked.
The union maintained that a salary increase would provide more reliable support than a temporary wage award, particularly as workers continue to struggle with rising living costs.
It said negotiations over a new national minimum wage should not prevent the government from granting an urgent pay rise.
The TUC also stressed that the economic crisis was affecting more than federal employees. State and local government workers, pensioners, private-sector employees and people working in the informal economy were also facing higher costs for food, transport, healthcare and other basic needs.
It urged governments at all levels to take practical steps to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, pay salaries and pensions on time, protect existing jobs and tackle exploitative labour practices.
The union also called for renewed efforts to strengthen the productive sector and create decent employment opportunities.