The Federal Government has approved a N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants for six months, beginning in November 2026, as part of measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
The approval was one of the resolutions reached at a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress in Abuja on October 27, 2026.
The agreement also covers outstanding allowances, health workers’ arrears, minimum wage negotiations and other welfare issues.
Here are 10 key things to know about the transport allowance and other resolutions.
1. The allowance is N70,000 monthly
The Federal Government has approved N70,000 per month as transport support for public servants. The memorandum states that the intervention will apply “across all levels”.
2. Payment begins in November 2026
The allowance is scheduled to commence in November 2026. However, the memorandum does not specify the exact payment date or whether disbursement will be made alongside workers’ salaries.
3. It will last for six months
The transport intervention is temporary and will run for six months, beginning in November 2026. This means the approved period runs through April 2027, subject to implementation of the agreement.
4. Eligible workers could receive N420,000 in total
At N70,000 monthly for six months, the total transport support amounts to N420,000 per beneficiary over the approved period.
This is the total for the six-month intervention, not a one-off payment of N420,000.
5. It is separate from the national minimum wage
The transport allowance is a distinct intervention and should not be confused with the national minimum wage.
Although the statutory minimum wage was increased from N30,000 to N70,000 in 2024, the latest meeting did not resolve the disagreement over the effective date of implementing the minimum wage arrangements currently under discussion.
The government and labour leaders agreed to establish a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee and begin meetings immediately.
6. The payment arrangements are yet to be clarified
Although the memorandum confirms the amount, duration and commencement month, it does not explain the administrative process for payment.
It also does not specify whether workers must apply, the payment channel or the precise categories of public servants covered. Further clarification from the relevant authorities would be needed on these details.
7. State and local government workers are being encouraged to benefit
The memorandum urges state and local governments to participate in the intervention process and calls on unions to push for implementation.
However, the document does not establish that every state and local government has already approved payment. Workers outside the Federal Government service should therefore seek clarification from their respective authorities.
8. Outstanding peculiar allowance arrears will also be paid
The government approved the payment of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026.
Payment is scheduled to begin in November 2026 and will be made in three equal monthly instalments. The memorandum does not disclose the total arrears or the amount individual beneficiaries will receive.
9. Health workers have a separate allowance arrangement
The government agreed to clear 19 months of outstanding allowances for health workers within three months, beginning in December 2026.
The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is also expected to complete an assessment of the cost implications of adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure within three weeks. A final decision on the adjustment has not yet been announced.
10. Other workers’ welfare issues remain unresolved
The agreement also addresses hazard allowances for agricultural officers and proposed tax relief for workers.
The agricultural officers’ beneficiaries and associated costs are undergoing verification, which is expected to be completed within two weeks. The tax relief proposal will be referred to the National Executive Council for consideration.
The government and the NLC are expected to reconvene after one month to review implementation of the resolutions.
What this means for public servants
The N70,000 monthly transport support is a six-month intervention intended to provide temporary financial relief. However, questions about the precise categories of eligible workers, payment arrangements and implementation by state and local governments remain open.
The extent of the relief workers receive will therefore depend on the implementation of the agreement and further administrative clarification.
Source: punchng.com
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