The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has firmly rejected the Federal Government's proposed N70,000 wage award, insisting on an immediate salary increase for workers grappling with rising economic hardships. The union argues that temporary allowances are insufficient to address the ongoing financial struggles faced by Nigerian workers, advocating instead for a permanent salary adjustment.

In a statement released following a National Administrative Council meeting held on October 8, 2026, TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary-General N.A. Toro highlighted the inadequacy of the proposed wage award. They emphasized that the government should prioritize salary increases over temporary relief measures that may not be consistently implemented. The TUC also criticized the government for not fulfilling its wage award obligations from 2023 and for neglecting a seven-month-old agreement regarding the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

The TUC has urged the Federal Government to conduct a salary review in light of escalating living costs, stating that there is no legal barrier preventing employers from increasing wages. They proposed raising the minimum salary for the lowest-paid workers from N70,000 to N300,000, with appropriate adjustments for other salary levels. The congress believes that while negotiations for a new national minimum wage are important, they should not delay urgent salary increases necessary for workers struggling with rising costs of food, transportation, and healthcare.

The statement also pointed out that many workers have not received the previous wage awards fully, with some still owed payments. The TUC expressed skepticism about the government's commitment to new wage awards, questioning how workers could trust promises when previous obligations remain unfulfilled. They noted that over 80% of states and informal sector workers have not benefited from any wage award, further complicating the situation.

In addition to salary increases, the TUC has called on all levels of government to implement measurable interventions aimed at reducing the cost of essential goods and services. They stressed the importance of timely salary and pension payments, job protection, and revitalizing the productive sector to create decent employment opportunities. The congress pointed out that economic hardship affects not only federal workers but also state and local government employees, pensioners, and those in the private sector.

The TUC's statement also addressed the unresolved issues surrounding the JOHESU agreement, which has been a source of tension in the health sector. The congress accused the Federal Government of failing to honor commitments made during negotiations that aimed to resolve outstanding issues related to CONHESS. They warned that the government's failure to fulfill its obligations could undermine confidence in collective bargaining.

As the TUC awaits the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government, it has not yet announced any immediate plans for a nationwide strike. However, the union has made it clear that it will determine its next steps based on the government's response to their demands. The ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria continues to intensify pressure on organized labor to secure higher wages and measures to protect workers' purchasing power.