- Atiku mocks reduction initiative, says it could solely purchase 50 litres of gas
Chuks Okocha and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) yesterday objected to the federal authorities’s proposed N70,000 transport allowance to civil servants, saying short-term wage awards usually are not sustainable and far-reaching.
The objection got here as former Vice President and presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, described the N70,000 month-to-month transport help for public service employees as a determined last-minute try to comprise public anger.
The federal authorities had permitted a month-to-month transport allowance of N70,000 for public service employees throughout all ranges for six months, starting in November 2026, to cushion the consequences of rising residing prices. The approval was introduced in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) issued on the finish of a conciliation assembly between authorities representatives and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja on Tuesday. The MoU was signed by Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General of the price range workplace; Joe Ajaero, NLC President; Garba Abdul, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office within the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; and Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment.
However, TUC demanded rapid wage improve for employees and implementation of settlement reached with Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
TUC mentioned its place was taken at its National Administrative Council assembly on October 8 in Abuja, the place it despatched a requirement letter to the federal authorities by the workplace of Secretary to Government of the Federation.
A press release signed by TUC President, Festus Osifo, mentioned the union would await the end result of a gathering with the federal authorities to resolve on the subsequent steps to take.
The congress mentioned the letter was in furtherance of an earlier press briefing on the financial hardship going through employees and proposed measures to deal with it.
On wage improve, TUC mentioned its place was clear that the federal authorities ought to overview and improve the salaries of employees. It mentioned the federal government didn’t require any minimal wage negotiation earlier than rising pay, as there was no most wage legislation within the nation.
It said that some states had raised minimal wage above N100,000, including that the federal authorities may increase the pay of its lowest employees to N300,000, from the present N70,000, and apply consequential adjustment.
“While it is good to negotiate minimum wage, which will affect other cadre of workers, FGN must raise wage level immediately as there are no law or historical practices stopping it from doing so,” TUC said.
Following the letter, the TUC management held consultative conferences with authorities officers, together with Secretary to Government of Federation, the place its place was canvassed.
It mentioned the proposal of wage award was talked about, however it was vehemently rejected for a number of causes.
According to TUC, short-term wage awards usually are not sustainable and far-reaching. The congress cited the wage award agreed on October 2, 2023, which was to be applied till the minimal wage was agreed in 2024, however was by no means applied holistically, with some employees nonetheless owed one or two months whereas others by no means acquired it.
TUC said, “How do we go back to same wage award that never benefited all workers? How can workers be expected to trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding?”
It additionally cited irregularity within the cost of the 2023 wage award, the place those that obtained as much as 4 months of N40,000 by no means obtained it month-to-month however at intervals, whereas over 80 per cent of states and the casual sector by no means applied any wage award.
“From the foregoing, we further reiterate our demand for pay raise for all government workers, as salary is only consistent and far-reaching pay that workers could rely upon,” TUC mentioned.
It careworn that negotiations of a brand new nationwide minimal wage should not develop into an excuse for suspending pressing pay increment.
On cost-of-living reduction, TUC mentioned financial disaster affected not solely federal employees but in addition state and native authorities employees, in addition to pensioners, non-public sector and casual financial system employees. It known as on authorities in any respect ranges to implement measurable interventions to cut back the price of important items, guarantee well timed cost of salaries and pensions, and revitalise the productive sector.
On JOHESU, Osifo mentioned he led the organised labour staff that included the JOHESU management to resolve the economic motion that lasted a number of months.
He mentioned after a number of conferences on the Federal Ministry of Health, a last conciliatory assembly was held at Ministry of Labour and Employment, the place a communique was agreed.
The signing led to suspension of the economic motion in good religion, however TUC mentioned the federal government didn’t preserve its facet.
Under the phrases of settlement, it was agreed that every one excellent points referring to CONHESS adjustment shall be conclusively addressed with out additional delay, however seven months later, adjustment remained unimplemented, Osifo mentioned.
“This continued failure to honour explicit commitment violates principle of good faith, undermines confidence in collective bargaining, and is absolutely unacceptable,” the TUC mentioned.
It demanded rapid implementation of CONHESS adjustment, clear timetable, budgetary provisions, and determination of excellent issues.
TUC mentioned its place was unequivocal that employees have been demanding social and financial justice, including that it could defend employees’ rights with out retreat and pursue each reputable avenue to compel authorities to honour obligations.
It mentioned it awaited the ultimate final result of scheduled conferences with the federal government to resolve the subsequent line of motion.
Meanwhile, Atiku condemned the N70,000 month-to-month transport help for public service employees as a determined try by the federal authorities to comprise public anger.
He mentioned it was an admittance that authorities insurance policies had made life insufferable for thousands and thousands of residents.
In an announcement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku mentioned, “The Tinubu administration is scrambling from one announcement to a different, exhibiting its failure to know the disaster. The cost-of-living disaster reaches past transport: vitality, meals, lease and different necessities have an effect on each a part of day by day life.
“Barbers pay more to power their clippers; restaurant owners face higher cooking costs; shopkeepers struggle to keep prices down; school bus operators pay more for fuel; and families still must buy food. Every business and household are affected. Does hardship end at the bus stop?”
The assertion mentioned, “If public service employees obtain N70,000 month-to-month for transport from November, what occurs to non-public sector employees, merchants, small companies, transport operators and thousands and thousands with out formal jobs? The public workforce is barely a fraction of Nigeria’s inhabitants. A brief allowance for some can’t resolve a nationwide disaster.
“The agreement also leaves the effective date for a new minimum wage unresolved. The government must publish payment dates, explain eligibility and say when wage negotiations will produce a decision.”
Atiku mentioned, “Any real reduction is welcome, however a six-month allowance can’t undo this hardship. At about N1,400 per litre, N70,000 buys roughly 50 litres of petrol. What significant distinction can 50 litres make over a whole month?
“What Nigerians are witnessing is a authorities that set the home ablaze with its reckless insurance policies, then pretends to battle the inferno by throwing ice cubes on the flames. A brief N70,000 allowance can’t extinguish a cost-of-living disaster this authorities ignited.
“This is the pattern: the fuel discount failed, the 90-day cost of living plan failed before it began, and now comes another temporary payment. The government promised CNG would lower transport costs, but that promise has failed. For Nigerians still paying more to commute, the CNG programme is another scam of promises, while families face the same unaffordable prices.”
The assertion added, “These rushed bulletins smack of political bribery and corruption. Tinubu has proven no real intention of clearing the monumental mess brought on by his hasty subsidy elimination. He presents short-term funds as an alternative of confronting the implications.
“Atiku has proposed a sensible various: a transparently managed manufacturing subsidy for gas refined in Nigeria, delivering reduction on the pump. Tinubu should not punish 250 million Nigerians for the corruption and leakages of some thousand. His conceitedness prevents him from reconsidering a cocky determination, whereas households and companies pay the worth.
“N70,000 may help with transport, but it cannot explain why work, food and running a business have become unaffordable. Nigerians need lasting relief, decent wages and an economy that rewards honest work. When will life become affordable again?”
Atiku mentioned his marketing campaign would pursue sensible measures to decrease residing prices, increase family incomes, and restore dignity to work.
