By Chinedu Echianu
Former leaders in the Nigerian labour movement have stepped in to resolve a dispute between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The conflict centers on a proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants. The intervention aims to protect union unity.
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba announced the reconciliation effort in Abuja on Wednesday during a Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) meeting.
He labeled the dispute an internal family matter and urged both sides to halt public hostilities.
The disagreement follows a Federal Government plan to pay the ₦70,000 monthly allowance for six months starting November 2026 to ease economic hardship.
NLC President Joe Ajaero insists on immediate implementation ahead of new minimum wage talks. He warned that taking back an agreed benefit is like trying to pull food from a crocodile’s mouth.
TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro clarified that the TUC did not join the negotiations for the allowance.
The TUC wants the relief built directly into basic salaries so the government cannot pull it later. However, Toro stressed that both unions still share the same core mission.
A veteran mediation team has already begun talks with both organizations.
The team includes former NLC leaders Hassan Sunmonu, Abdulwahed Omar, and Ayuba Wabba, along with former TUC leaders Peter Esele and Bobboi Kaigama.
Both labour centers have agreed to calm the tension and stop making public comments during reconciliation. Wabba also urged the media to exercise restraint to help preserve a united labour front.
