• Labour congress says temporary relief is inadequate, demands implementation of CONHESS adjustment seven months after agreement
By | Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 wage award, demanding an immediate salary increase for workers and full implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The congress also called on governments at all levels to introduce urgent measures to reduce the rising cost of living, protect jobs and ensure the timely payment of salaries and pensions.
The TUC made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, following its National Administrative Council meeting held in Abuja on October 8.
According to the congress, it had formally written to the Federal Government through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, insisting that workers needed a sustainable salary increase rather than temporary financial relief.
The TUC argued that the government did not need to wait for negotiations on the national minimum wage before increasing workers’ salaries, noting that there was no law prescribing a maximum wage.
It cited states that had raised their minimum wages above ₦100,000, arguing that the Federal Government could increase the pay of its lowest-paid workers to ₦300,000 and apply the appropriate consequential adjustments.
The congress said it rejected the proposed wage award because similar arrangements had failed to benefit all workers.
It recalled that the ₦40,000 wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023, was intended to remain in place until a new minimum wage was negotiated in 2024.
However, the TUC alleged that the previous arrangement was not fully implemented, with some workers still owed one or two months’ payments while others received nothing. It also claimed that more than 80 per cent of states and the informal sector did not implement any form of wage award.
The congress maintained that salary increases remained the most reliable and far-reaching response to workers’ economic difficulties.
On the JOHESU dispute, the TUC, led by its President, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, accused the Federal Government of failing to honour the agreement that led to the suspension of the union’s prolonged industrial action.
The agreement followed conciliation meetings involving the Ministers of Labour and Employment, Health, and Finance, including Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi and Professor Ali Pate.
The TUC said the agreed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) remained unimplemented seven months after the settlement.
It demanded immediate implementation of the adjustment, adequate budgetary provisions, a clear timetable and resolution of all outstanding issues in consultation with the relevant unions.
The congress further urged governments to reduce the cost of food, transportation and healthcare, protect existing jobs, curb exploitative labour practices and revitalise the productive sector.
The TUC, through its President General, Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade General N. A. Toro, PhD, mni, said it would consider its next line of action after receiving the final outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government.
It insisted that workers’ welfare was not a privilege and that all agreements reached with organised labour must be honoured.
