JNPSNC clears path for N70,000 civil servant transport allowance despite TUC rejection

By Moses Akwashiki

The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has declared that the Federal Government will proceed with the rollout of a N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants, affirming that the Trade Union Congress’s (TUC) rejection of the deal will not halt its execution.

Scheduled to run for six months starting in November 2026, the relief package emerged from a grueling, six-hour negotiation session on October 27, 2026. Chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, the talks brought together key stakeholders, including Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Comrade Joe Ajaero, JNPSNC representatives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

In a circular addressed to affiliate union leadership and state council executives, JNPSNC National Secretary Comrade Gbenga Olowoyo addressed the TUC’s dissent, noting that the congress did not participate in the October 27 deliberations.

While upholding the TUC’s right to independent action, Olowoyo remarked that it would be commendable if the congress managed to secure a higher allowance for its members.

He also dismissed assertions that the NLC only represents junior staff, clarifying that its membership spans up to directorate-level officers across public agencies.

Beyond the temporary transport relief, the agreement secures several critical concessions for public sector workers. The 40 per cent peculiar allowance will be adjusted to align with the N70,000 national minimum wage across federal, state, and local government levels starting November 2026, with back-pay dating to May 1, 2026, disbursed in three installments.

Additionally, the Federal Government committed to immediately establishing a tripartite negotiating committee alongside organized labour and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), addressing a key demand behind JNPSNC’s three-day warning strike on October 2, 2026.

The deal also targets long-standing sectoral demands. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) has been given a three-week deadline to finalize the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) review for presidential approval, while 19 months of outstanding health worker allowances will be paid in three installments starting December 2026.

The NSIWC is also set to issue the payment template and circular for agricultural professional officers’ hazard allowances within three weeks.

Furthermore, proposals regarding worker tax relief will be referred to the National Economic Council to evaluate their fiscal impact on federal and state revenues.

Olowoyo called on state and local governments to leverage their increased revenue allocations to mirror the Federal Government’s transport subsidy for subnational workers. Both parties are slated to reconvene in one month to review implementation progress and ensure all terms are honored.