The Nigeria Labour Congress in Kebbi State is pushing for a minimum transportation allowance of N70,000 for public servants to help cushion the impact of high travel expenses across the state.
Murtala Usman, the state chairman of the labour centre, revealed the plan during an interview with Punch on Monday. He explained that the leadership agreed on the figure following an extensive meeting with representatives from all affiliate unions operating within the state.
The proposed support is designed to cover every cadre of public sector employee. This includes classroom teachers, local government staff, medical personnel, and administrative civil servants.
According to Usman, the union is asking for at least N70,000 to accurately mirror the daily commuting expenses workers currently face. He stated that the union wants the benefit shared across all groups without any discrimination.
To build backing for the proposal, the labour body has opened discussions with lawmakers in the Kebbi State House of Assembly. The leadership plans to secure the support of the legislature before presenting the official request to Governor Nasir Idris.
The push comes at a time when escalating transport fares and living expenses continue to place heavy financial strain on workers who rely on daily commercial vehicles to get to their duty posts. Usman noted that receiving the allowance would provide critical economic relief to the workforce.
The labour chairman expressed confidence that the scheduled sit-down with Governor Idris will end in a positive resolution for the state's workers. He maintained that the union remains focused on pushing for policies that protect the welfare of civil servants.
