The Federal Government has approved a N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants spanning six months beginning in November 2026, following a conciliation meeting between government officials and the Nigeria Labour Congress in Abuja on 27 October 2026. The payment, which will run through April 2027, forms part of a broader agreement addressing outstanding allowances, health worker arrears, minimum wage discussions and other welfare matters. Over the full six-month period, eligible workers stand to receive a total of N420,000 under this temporary intervention.
The transport allowance is distinct from the national minimum wage, which was raised from N30,000 to N70,000 in 2024. The government and labour representatives agreed to establish a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee and begin discussions immediately, though disagreement persists over the effective date for implementing the current minimum wage arrangements being discussed. The transport support applies across all levels of the civil service, according to the memorandum from the conciliation meeting.
Several administrative details remain unclear, including the precise payment method, whether workers must submit applications, and the exact categories of public servants who will qualify. State and local government workers are being encouraged to participate, but the memorandum does not confirm that all states and local governments have already approved payment. Workers outside the Federal Government service should seek clarification from their respective authorities. Payment arrangements have not been specified, leaving open questions about whether funds will be disbursed alongside salaries or through separate channels.
The agreement also addressed other welfare issues. The government approved payment of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears effective from 1 May 2026, with disbursement scheduled to begin in November 2026 in three equal monthly instalments. For health workers, the government agreed to clear 19 months of outstanding allowances within three months starting in December 2026. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission was directed to complete a cost assessment of adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure within three weeks, though no final decision on such adjustment has been announced.
Hazard allowances for agricultural officers and proposed tax relief for workers were also discussed. Verification of agricultural officer beneficiaries and associated costs is expected to conclude within two weeks, while the tax relief proposal will be referred to the National Executive Council for consideration. The government and the Nigeria Labour Congress are scheduled to reconvene after one month to review implementation progress.
For public servants, the N70,000 transport allowance represents temporary financial relief during a period of rising living costs, though the actual benefit will depend on how authorities implement the agreement and clarify outstanding administrative questions about eligibility and payment procedures.