The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has defended the Federal Government’s approval of N70,000 transportation allowance for public servants.

The council, however, dismissed concerns over the rejection of the allowance by the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

This was contained in a letter signed by the National Secretary of JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga, on Sunday in Abuja, addressed to its affiliated unions and state councils.

Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and TUC differed over the government’s N70,000 transportation allowance, with NLC defending the agreement, while TUC demanded higher permanent salaries.

Mr Gbenga said the allowance formed part of an agreement reached between the government and organised labour after extensive negotiations on workers’ welfare and rising transportation costs.

He stated, “The payment of N70,000 transportation allowance to Nigerian workers is a welcome development, considering the unbearable transportation costs currently experienced by public servants across the country.

“The meeting was not only tough but lasted more than six hours before the Federal Government and labour representatives reached agreement on various issues affecting workers.

“The allowance, payable for six months beginning from November 2026, is intended to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs on public servants and their dependants.”

Mr Gbenga explained that the agreement was reached at a meeting on October 27, presided over by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi.

He added that the meeting was attended by NLC, JNPSNC and Joint Health Sector Unions representatives.

He said that the agreement also provided for implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

He said this reflected the N70,000 national minimum wage, effective from November 2026, with arrears from May 1 payable in three instalments.

Mr Gbenga said that the government also agreed to establish a tripartite negotiation committee comprising representatives of government, labour and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, following JNPSNC’s demand.

He recalled that JNPSNC embarked on a three-day warning strike on October 2 to press for the establishment of the committee and resolution of outstanding workers’ welfare demands.

He clarified that TUC was not part of the negotiations that produced the agreement, though it had the right to express opinions on labour-related matters.

The national secretary, however, said any proposal by TUC for a higher transportation allowance would be welcomed, if it translated into additional benefits for public servants.

On health workers’ demands, the council said the meeting approved payment of 19 months’ arrears of allowances in three instalments beginning from December 2026.

Mr Gbenga said also that the Consolidated Health Workers Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustments would receive further attention.

He added that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission was given three weeks to conclude work on the CONHESS adjustments and forward recommendations to the relevant authorities for approval and implementation.

The council urged federal, state and local governments to honour the agreement, stressing that effective implementation would strengthen collective bargaining, restore confidence and improve workers’ welfare nationwide. 

(NAN)