The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have agreed on a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers for six months, beginning in November 2026, but failed to resolve their disagreement over the effective date for implementing the national minimum wage.

The agreement was reached at a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour at the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on October 27, 2026.

The transport intervention is part of measures proposed by the Federal Government to cushion the effects of rising petroleum pump prices and the resulting pressure on workers’ finances.

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Under the resolutions reached at the meeting, the government will provide the monthly transport allowance for six months, beginning in November.

However, despite the agreement on transport support and other welfare measures, the minimum wage implementation date remains unresolved.

FG, NLC to Begin Minimum Wage Negotiations

As part of efforts to address the disagreement, the meeting agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee should be constituted and commence meetings immediately.

The move is expected to provide a platform for further discussions between the government and organised labour on workers’ minimum wage demands.

The failure to agree on an implementation date leaves the issue open even as both parties pursue other measures aimed at easing the financial pressure on Nigerian workers.

FG Agrees to Pay Outstanding Allowances

The resolutions also provide for the payment of peculiar allowance arrears in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November 2026.

For health workers, the Federal Government agreed to redeem 19 months of outstanding allowances within three months, starting in December 2026.

The meeting also addressed the proposed hazard allowance for agricultural officers.

According to the resolutions, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had submitted the list of beneficiaries and the associated cost implications to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for verification.

The commission is expected to complete the verification exercise within two weeks and issue an implementation template.

Decision on Health Workers’ Salary Adjustment Pending

The proposed adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) was also discussed during the meeting.

The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is expected to complete an updated assessment of the cost implications within three weeks.

The assessment will be forwarded to the Presidential Committee on Salaries for consideration.

No final decision on the proposed adjustment was announced in the resolutions.

Tax Relief Referred to NEC

On tax relief for workers, the meeting agreed that the matter should be referred to the National Executive Council (NEC) for consideration.

The resolutions stated that, “Since tax is a statutory matter, the issue of tax relief for workers will be taken to National Executive Council (NEC).”

The meeting did not specify the proposed tax relief measures or when a final decision would be made.

FG, NLC to Review Implementation

The Federal Government and the NLC also urged state and local governments to participate in the intervention process.

The parties agreed to reconvene after one month to assess progress on the resolutions reached at the meeting.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; the Director-General of Budget, Timi Yakubu; and the Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Garba Abdul S.U.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, signed on behalf of the Congress, while Olowoyo Gbenga signed for the Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council (JNPSNC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his reported re-election for a fourth term, expressing his desire to strengthen Nigeria-Brazil relations across trade, investment, energy and other key sectors.

Tinubu conveyed his congratulations in a statement dated October 26, 2026, in Abuja, describing Lula as his friend and emphasising the historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

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The Nigerian president said Lula’s renewed mandate presents an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their longstanding friendship and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

“Your renewed mandate offers an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil,” Tinubu said.

He noted that Nigeria and Brazil, as leading nations of the Global South, could work together to promote economic integration and advance their shared interests amid a rapidly changing global order.

Tinubu said he looked forward to expanding cooperation between both countries in trade and investment, agriculture and food security, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation and cultural exchange.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation with Brazil and advancing shared priorities across Africa, South America and the wider Global South.

“I affirm Nigeria’s continued commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities in Africa, South America, and across the Global South,” he said.

Tinubu, on behalf of the Nigerian people, wished Lula success in his new term in office.

“On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I wish you a successful new term in office,” the president added.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant following the Federal Government’s reported confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning against contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected patients.

Disu also called for strict adherence to preventive measures, improved personal hygiene and cooperation with public health authorities to protect lives and prevent further transmission of the disease.

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In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the IGP emphasised the importance of public awareness and collective responsibility in combating the outbreak.

Know the Warning Signs

The Nigeria Police Force urged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the symptoms associated with Ebola and seek medical guidance if they develop symptoms following possible exposure.

The warning signs highlighted in the police awareness campaign include: Fever,Severe, headache, Muscle pain, Weakness, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Unexplained bleeding.

The public was cautioned not to wait until bleeding occurs before seeking medical assistance.

Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to the virus should promptly contact health authorities for guidance.

How Ebola Spreads

According to the awareness information provided by the Nigeria Police Force, Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.

Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated items or the body of someone who has died from the disease.

Members of the public were therefore advised to avoid direct contact with the blood, body fluids and personal items of suspected patients.

The police also warned against touching or washing the bodies of people suspected to have died from Ebola.

Preventive Measures Nigerians Should Follow

The IGP urged Nigerians to observe basic preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

The measures include washing hands regularly with soap and water, avoiding contact with suspected patients’ body fluids and staying away from potentially contaminated items.

The public was also advised not to handle the bodies of suspected Ebola victims and to cooperate with healthcare workers and contact-tracing teams.

According to the awareness poster, individuals who may have been exposed to the virus should avoid physical contact with others if they begin feeling unwell and contact health authorities for immediate guidance.

The poster further advised anyone experiencing symptoms following possible exposure to contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) through its toll-free helpline, 6232.

IGP Directs Police Officers to Observe Safety Measures

Disu also directed police personnel to observe appropriate infection prevention measures while carrying out their duties and promptly refer suspected cases to qualified health professionals.

The police said suspected patients, contacts and healthcare workers must be treated with dignity and without discrimination.

The Force further called on Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, provide accurate information when required and refrain from spreading unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.

Members of the public were encouraged to rely on official updates from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and other authorised public health agencies.

Police Warn Against Stigmatisation

The Nigeria Police Force assured Nigerians of its commitment to supporting relevant health authorities in protecting lives and maintaining public order throughout the period.

The Force also urged the public to share accurate information, remain vigilant and avoid stigmatising people affected by or suspected of having the disease.

The awareness campaign stressed that protecting public health is a shared responsibility and encouraged Nigerians to stay informed and follow appropriate preventive measures.

Members of the public should seek guidance from authorised health officials if they suspect exposure to Ebola.