The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 wage award, insisting on an immediate salary increase for workers and the full implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The congress also called for urgent measures to ease the rising cost of living, protect vulnerable Nigerians and ensure that the government honours agreements reached with organised labour.
The TUC disclosed its position in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by its President, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Comrade General N. A. Toro, Ph.D., mni.
According to the statement, the congress communicated its demands to the Federal Government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, addressed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The union said the letter followed an earlier press briefing in which it outlined the economic difficulties facing Nigerian workers and the wider population.
TUC Demands Immediate Salary Increase
The TUC maintained that the Federal Government does not need to wait for negotiations on a new national minimum wage before increasing workers’ salaries, arguing that there is no law prescribing a maximum wage.
It noted that some state governments had already raised their minimum wages above ₦100,000, insisting that the Federal Government could introduce a substantial salary increase for its lowest-paid workers and apply the appropriate consequential adjustments.
The congress argued that a permanent salary increase would provide more reliable relief than temporary wage awards, which it described as inadequate and unsustainable.
The TUC said it rejected the proposed wage award during consultations with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
It recalled that the wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023, was intended to remain in effect until a new minimum wage was negotiated in 2024.
However, the congress alleged that the previous arrangement was not fully implemented, leaving some workers unpaid for one or two months while others reportedly received no payments.
It also raised concerns about irregular payments, stating that some workers who received up to four months of the ₦40,000 wage award experienced delays and interruptions.
The TUC further claimed that more than 80 per cent of states and workers in the informal sector did not benefit from any form of wage award.
“Negotiations of a new national minimum wage must not become an excuse for postponing urgent pay increment,” the congress said, reiterating its demand for an immediate salary increase for government workers.
TUC Calls for Measures to Reduce Cost of Living
Beyond salary adjustments, the congress urged governments at all levels to introduce practical measures to address the rising cost of food, transportation, healthcare and other essential goods and services.
It said the economic hardship was affecting not only federal workers but also state and local government employees, pensioners, private-sector workers and people in the informal economy.
The TUC called for the timely payment of salaries and pensions, protection of existing jobs, an end to exploitative labour practices and renewed investment in the productive sector to create decent employment opportunities.
It also urged governments to ensure that interventions were adequately funded, inclusive and backed by clear implementation timelines.
The congress stressed that government policies must translate into measurable improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians rather than remain mere announcements.
TUC Demands Implementation of JOHESU Agreement
The TUC also renewed its demand for the immediate implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), particularly the outstanding adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
According to the statement, TUC President Festus Osifo led the organised labour team, including JOHESU leaders and a representative of a sister labour congress, in negotiations aimed at resolving the industrial action that lasted several months.
The negotiations culminated in a conciliatory meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, where both parties agreed on a communiqué.
The Federal Government’s delegation was led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, alongside the Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, and the then Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
The TUC said JOHESU suspended its industrial action in good faith following the agreement, but alleged that the government had failed to fulfil its own commitments.
It stated that the agreement provided for the resolution of outstanding issues relating to CONHESS adjustment without further delay, but the adjustment remained unimplemented seven months later.
The congress described the delay as a breach of the agreement, arguing that it undermined confidence in collective bargaining and the principle of good faith in labour relations.
It called on the Federal Government to implement the CONHESS adjustment immediately, publish a clear implementation timetable, make the necessary budgetary provisions and resolve all outstanding issues in consultation with the relevant unions.
The TUC maintained that health workers should not be expected to continue providing essential services while agreements reached with their representatives remained unfulfilled.
TUC Awaits Government’s Final Response
Reaffirming its commitment to workers’ welfare, the congress said its demands were based on social and economic justice rather than a request for government favours.
It vowed to continue defending workers’ rights, challenging non-compliance with agreements and pursuing lawful measures to compel the government to meet its obligations.
The statement emphasised that workers’ welfare was not a privilege and that agreements reached with organised labour must be respected.
The TUC said it was awaiting the outcome of a scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next line of action.
It reiterated its rejection of what it described as inadequate temporary relief, insisting on a sustainable salary increase, stronger social protection, measures to reduce the cost of living and full implementation of outstanding labour agreements.
The congress did not announce an immediate industrial action in the statement but warned that it would stand firmly with affected unions and pursue all lawful and legitimate means to secure compliance.
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