The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 wage award, demanding an immediate salary increase for workers and suggesting that the lowest-paid federal worker’s salary could be raised to N300,000.
The congress described the proposed wage award as temporary and inadequate, arguing that it would not provide sustainable relief amid the rising cost of living.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the TUC maintained that the government could increase workers’ salaries without negotiating another national minimum wage, noting that there is no law prescribing a maximum wage.
It also pointed out that some state governments had already raised their minimum wages above N100,000, arguing that the Federal Government could adopt a more substantial pay increase, with corresponding adjustments across salary grades.
The labour body said its rejection of the proposed N70,000 wage award was informed partly by the government’s record in implementing previous agreements.
It recalled that a wage award agreed upon on October 2, 2023, had not been implemented comprehensively, leaving some workers unpaid or without the full benefit of the arrangement.
According to the TUC, the failure to honour previous commitments undermines workers’ confidence in the collective bargaining process and raises concerns about the government’s willingness to fulfil new agreements.
The congress called for tangible action, a clear implementation timetable and adequate budgetary provisions for any proposed salary adjustments.
The TUC also demanded the immediate implementation of the agreed adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS, for members of the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU.
It said seven months had passed since the agreement was reached, yet the adjustment remained unimplemented.
The congress said it was awaiting the final outcome of a scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next line of action.
