Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero has criticised the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for rejecting the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers over six months, arguing that the union cannot oppose an agreement it did not negotiate.

Ajaero said the TUC withdrew from the negotiations that produced the agreement and did not sign it. He maintained that the congress remained free to pursue its own demands but should not reject support secured through a process in which it chose not to participate.

He made the comments during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, according to a report by Naija News.

Ajaero Defends the Transport Allowance Agreement

The NLC president said the TUC had pulled out of the negotiations and did not formally participate in reaching the agreement.

According to Ajaero, the TUC could continue to campaign for better benefits, including a higher allowance, but should not oppose the support already negotiated for workers.

He said: “The agreement was not signed by the Trade Union Congress; you don’t kick against something you did not negotiate or never asked for.”

Ajaero added that the TUC was free to push for a much larger amount but argued that its withdrawal from the negotiations weakened its position in rejecting the outcome.

The dispute highlights differences between the two major labour centres over the Federal Government’s transport support arrangement. The allowance is intended to provide workers with temporary assistance over a six-month period, although the supplied report does not provide further details about its implementation or eligibility conditions.

NLC Disputes August 2027 Minimum Wage Talks Timeline

Ajaero also rejected the suggestion that the next minimum wage negotiations should take place in August 2027.

He said the NLC did not agree to that date and argued that the proposed timeline conflicts with the provisions of the law.

However, the supplied report does not identify the specific legal provision Ajaero cited or provide details of the government’s position on the proposed date.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero
photo credit: Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

The disagreements raise questions about coordination between organised labour groups on workers’ welfare, transport costs and future minimum wage negotiations.

Further clarification from the NLC, TUC and the Federal Government would help establish the terms of the transport allowance arrangement and the legal timetable for the next minimum wage talks.

For workers, the key issues remain the delivery of the promised support and clarity over when future wage negotiations will take place.