Kebbi NLC seeks N70,000 transport allowance for workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress, Kebbi State chapter, is seeking a minimum transportation allowance of N70,000 for workers in the state to cushion the effects of rising transportation costs.

The state chairman of the union, Murtala Usman, disclosed this in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, saying the union would soon meet with Governor Nasir Idris to present its demand.

Usman said the decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting involving all affiliate unions of the NLC in the state, where workers agreed to push for the introduction of the allowance.

He explained that the proposed allowance would cover all categories of public sector workers, including teachers, local government employees, health workers and other civil servants.

We have held a stakeholders’ meeting with all our affiliate unions in the state, and we have resolved to present our demand for transportation allowance to the state governor,” he said.

The labour leader said the union was proposing N70,000 or more, stressing that the amount should reflect the transportation challenges facing workers.

We are demanding a minimum of N70,000 or above, and we want the allowance to cover all categories of workers without discrimination. Teachers, local government workers, health workers and other civil servants should all benefit,” Usman added.

He said the union had also begun consultations with members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly to seek their support for the proposal before engaging the state government.

According to him, the NLC believes that the proposed allowance would provide some relief to workers struggling with the increasing cost of commuting to their workplaces.

Usman expressed optimism that the planned meeting with Governor Idris would yield a favourable outcome, adding that the union would continue to pursue policies that improve workers’ welfare.

The demand comes amid rising living and transportation costs, which have increased the financial burden on many Nigerian workers, particularly those who depend on daily public transport to get to work.

The proposed N70,000 allowance, if approved, would represent an additional benefit for Kebbi State workers.