The Federal Government has approved a monthly transport allowance of N70,000 for public servants as part of measures to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living across the country.
The intervention, which will run for six months beginning in November 2026, is expected to provide eligible workers with a cumulative sum of N420,000 each by April 2027.
The approval followed a conciliation meeting between representatives of the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), held in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
According to the memorandum reached at the meeting, the transport support will apply across all levels of the federal public service, while state and local governments are encouraged to participate in the intervention.
However, the agreement did not specify the exact payment dates, disbursement channels or whether beneficiaries would receive the allowance alongside their monthly salaries.
The N70,000 transport support is separate from the existing national minimum wage and is designed as a temporary intervention to ease workers’ transportation expenses.
Beyond the transport allowance, the government also approved the settlement of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026.
Payment of the arrears is scheduled to commence in November and will be spread across three equal monthly instalments.
In another development, the Federal Government agreed to clear 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers within three months, beginning in December 2026.
The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission was equally directed to conclude its assessment of the financial implications of adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure within three weeks.
On the lingering minimum wage issues, both parties agreed to establish a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, which is expected to commence deliberations immediately.
The meeting also considered outstanding hazard allowances for agricultural officers, with the verification of eligible beneficiaries and associated financial implications expected to be completed within two weeks.
Similarly, a proposal seeking tax relief for workers will be forwarded to the National Executive Council for consideration.
The Federal Government and the NLC are expected to reconvene after one month to assess the implementation of the resolutions.
Meanwhile, workers in state and local government services may have to await further directives from their respective authorities, as the agreement does not automatically establish that all states have approved the N70,000 monthly intervention.

…Council to Be Inaugurated Tuesday at Enugu International Conference Centre
The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a formidable campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Governor Peter Mbah emerging as Chairman of the Campaign Council comprising 51 directorates.
The council, unveiled on Monday, October 26, brings together prominent political figures, former governors, serving lawmakers, technocrats and party stakeholders in what appears to be a major political mobilisation drive ahead of the elections.

Among those listed for advisory roles are Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Jim Nwobodo, former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, former Governor Sullivan Chime, immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Professor Bart Nnaji, business mogul Arthur Eze, Frank Nweke Jr. and Madueke, among others.

According to the list jointly signed by the state APC Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, and Secretary, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and Chukwunweike will serve as Vice Chairmen.

Chief Charlie Mbah was appointed Director-General of the Campaign Organisation, while Dr. Eric Oluedo will serve as Secretary-General.

The campaign structure also provides for three Deputy Directors-General representing the state’s senatorial districts.
They are Deacon Okey Ogbodo for Enugu East, Dr. Dan Shere for Enugu North and Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye for Enugu West.
In the media and publicity directorates, Barr. Steve Oruruo was named Campaign Spokesperson and Director of Public Communication, with Dr. Austin Okolie serving as Co-Spokesperson and Dr. Malachy Agbo as Secretary.

Two members of Governor Mbah’s media team, Mazi Uche Anichukwu and Dan Nwomeh, will head the Directorate of New Media and Strategic Communication and the Directorate of Mainstream Media, respectively.
Dr. Collins Ogbu will serve as Secretary of New Media and Strategic Communication, while Dr. Reuben Onyishi takes the corresponding position in Mainstream Media.

Other key appointments include Barr. Victor Udeh as Director of Administration, while former APC State Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, will head the Fundraising Committee, assisted by Arc. Uche Nwatu as Co-Director.

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla (Rtd.), was appointed Chairman of the Security Directorate, with former Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo (Rtd.), serving as Secretary.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology will oversee the Directorate of Government Appointees Coordination, covering federal and state appointees, while Prof. Chidiebere Onyia will serve as Secretary.

Former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh, was appointed to head Inter-Party Affairs.

For senatorial coordination, Senator Osita Ngwu will oversee Enugu West, Senator Ikeje Asogwa will coordinate Enugu North, while Senator Kelvin Chukwu takes charge of Enugu East.

Explaining the composition of the council, Chukwunweike and Nnadozie said the extensive campaign structure was deliberately designed to accommodate diverse political interests and ensure grassroots participation across the state.

According to them, the 51 directorates reflect the party’s determination to involve communities, wards, local government areas, professional associations, women, youths, elders and support organisations in its preparations for the 2027 elections.

They stressed that appointments into the council should not be regarded merely as political recognition but as responsibilities requiring commitment and measurable results.

“Appointment into the campaign structure is therefore not merely an honour; it is a call to duty, accountability and measurable contribution,” the statement read.

The unveiling marks a significant organisational step for the Enugu APC as it moves to consolidate its political machinery ahead of the next general elections.

The Campaign Council will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

All appointed members have been directed to be seated before 3pm.

…Alleges commissioner photographed vehicle before it was intercepted, burnt by gunmen
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South State Constituency in the forthcoming Ebonyi State House of Assembly election, Barr. Rollins Ovu-unata Offia Nwali, has raised serious allegations against the state Commissioner, Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali, over the recent armed attack on his campaign convoy.
Rollins alleged that the Commissioner, who is also his elder brother, had photographed his Toyota Hilux and circulated the picture among certain individuals before the same vehicle was intercepted and completely burnt during the attack.
In a strongly worded statement responding to the Commissioner’s reaction to the incident, the Assembly candidate called on security agencies to investigate whether the circulation of the vehicle’s photograph had any connection with the attack.
He disclosed that he ordinarily travelled in the affected Hilux but had, by what he described as divine intervention, chosen another vehicle on the day of the incident.
“Why was my vehicle photographed and its photograph circulated? To whom was the photograph sent? Was it intended to identify or mark my vehicle?” he queried.
The NDC candidate, however, acknowledged that his suspicions were not proof of complicity, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident deserved thorough investigation.
Giving further insight into the attack, Rollins wondered what could have emboldened the assailants to confront a heavily secured motorcade, allegedly firing and reloading their weapons without fear of the security personnel accompanying him.
He expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life and commended the security operatives who contained the attack and evacuated members of his entourage.
The Assembly candidate also accused the Commissioner of having previously intimidated his supporters and allegedly frustrated his political ambitions since 2022.
According to him, their political differences began when he first consulted the Commissioner about his intention to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in 2022.
He alleged that despite initially promising support, the Commissioner secretly worked against his ambition and disclosed confidential information about his consultations to political opponents.
Rollins further claimed that a similar development occurred in 2026 when he informed the Commissioner of his intention to recontest the APC primaries.
He said he subsequently left the APC, joined the NDC and secured its House of Assembly ticket.
In another allegation, the candidate claimed that a young man who made a Facebook video supporting his candidacy in August was abducted, taken to the Commissioner’s residence in Ameka and assaulted.
He alleged that evidence submitted by his party to security agencies included footage purportedly showing the Commissioner physically stepping on the victim’s head.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Rollins also recalled a private meeting during which he allegedly appealed to the Commissioner to allow his supporters to exercise their political rights without intimidation.
He claimed that during the discussion, the Commissioner told him that Governor Francis Nwifuru had instructed him to ensure the victory of the incumbent Assembly member at all costs.
The candidate, however, said he immediately expressed disbelief over the alleged claim attributed to the Governor.
Speaking on the Commissioner’s reaction to the attack, Rollins expressed disappointment that his elder brother allegedly failed to contact him to ascertain his safety but instead publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He particularly faulted the Commissioner’s alleged description of the attackers as political associates armed with sticks and machetes.
Rollins questioned why young people should be encouraged to confront armed security operatives in the name of politics while those benefiting from their political activities remained away from the confrontation.
He also rejected suggestions that his political ambition was responsible for creating divisions between Kpakpaji and Izzikworo, maintaining that the people of Ezza South should be allowed to determine their representatives through the ballot.
According to him, no political appointee has the constitutional authority to determine who should contest an election or compel citizens to support a particular candidate.
“My constitutional rights are not privileges granted by anyone, and my political future is not subject to his or anyone else’s permission,” he declared.
In a particularly strong appeal, Rollins called on the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services and National Security Adviser to take note of his concerns about his personal safety and that of his family.
He urged the security agencies to investigate the Commissioner’s possible involvement in the attack and hold accountable anyone found to have sponsored, facilitated or participated in the incident.
The NDC candidate maintained that his political ambition should not become a death sentence, insisting that he was prepared to accept defeat at the polls if the electorate rejected him in a free contest.
He called for a comprehensive investigation into the attack, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged circulation of his vehicle’s photograph before it was burnt.
The allegations against Commissioner Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali remain claims made by the candidate and have not been established by any investigative or judicial finding. His response to these specific allegations was not contained in the statement.

…Says Political Disagreements Must Not Lead to Loss of Lives

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, Hon. (Chief) Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on security agencies to investigate the reported attack on the party’s State Assembly candidate for Ezza South, Barr. Rollins Ovu-unata Offia-Nwali.

Chukwu said the incident, which reportedly left one person dead, several others injured and a vehicle burnt, raised serious concerns about the safety of political actors and their supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the federal constituency candidate condemned political intimidation and violence, insisting that residents must be allowed to participate in the democratic process without fear.

He expressed gratitude to God for the survival of Offia-Nwali and others who reportedly escaped the incident, while extending condolences to the family of the deceased and wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

“As the NDC House of Representatives candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, I consider this incident a matter of the utmost seriousness. It occurred within the federal constituency I seek to represent, and I cannot remain silent when the safety, freedom and constitutional rights of our people are threatened,” he said.

Chukwu maintained that Ezza South belonged to its people and should not be treated as the political territory of any individual, officeholder or party.

He stressed that every citizen had the constitutional right to contest elections, support candidates, associate freely and participate in political activities without intimidation.

The NDC candidate expressed concern that the incident had generated political exchanges and accusations rather than a united demand for truth, accountability and justice.

He noted that allegations raised by Offia-Nwali against the Commissioner, Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali, reportedly involving intimidation of political supporters, an earlier assault on a supporter and circumstances surrounding the identification and subsequent destruction of a vehicle, required an independent investigation.

Chukwu, however, cautioned against treating the allegations as established facts before the conclusion of investigations.

“These allegations must be independently investigated. They should neither be dismissed because of the political positions of those involved nor accepted as established facts without evidence,” he said.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Security Adviser to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.

According to him, the investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the reported death, identify those responsible for the attack and determine whether any individual or group planned, sponsored, encouraged or facilitated the violence.

“No political office should confer immunity from investigation, and no political disagreement should become a death sentence,” he added.

Chukwu also appealed to political leaders and stakeholders in Ezza South and Ikwo to discourage threats

…Accuses Ebonyi Governor of Poor Performance, Challenges Him to Public Debate

The campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has rejected calls for its principal to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race, insisting that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru should instead reconsider his re-election bid.

The organisation, known as Anyi Ga Eme Ya, described the call by former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Hon. Barr. Uchenna Orji, for Odii to step aside in the interest of zoning as misplaced.

It accused the Nwifuru administration of lacking direction and failing to deliver on its promises, challenging the governor to a public debate ahead of the 2027 election.

The campaign organisation made its position known in a statement reacting to Orji’s comments on zoning and the outcome of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders Political Summit held on October 20, 2026.

It argued that the governor’s performance should be the primary consideration in determining who governs the state beyond 2027, rather than political arrangements allegedly designed to favour the incumbent.

According to the organisation, Ebonyi residents deserve leadership with a clear development agenda, accountability and a commitment to improving their welfare.

Questions Government Projects, Aircraft Purchase

The campaign organisation cited the Vanco flyover project as one of the issues it believes reflects the shortcomings of the current administration.

It also questioned the status of three aircraft which it alleged the state government announced it had purchased nearly two years ago, demanding clarification on their whereabouts and delivery.

On the proposed Ebonyi New Cement Company at Nkalagu, the organisation called on the government to provide verifiable information about the project’s status, including the relevant licences and preliminary technical assessments.

It argued that establishing a cement manufacturing plant requires extensive geological investigations and other technical evaluations, insisting that the government should clarify the level of progress made.

The organisation maintained that the electorate should assess the administration based on verifiable achievements and its handling of projects and commitments.

The claims and questions raised by the campaign organisation were not independently verified in the statement.

Rejects Zoning Argument, Faults Stakeholders’ Summit

Reacting to Orji’s argument that Odii should withdraw to respect the rotation of the governorship among Ebonyi North, Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South senatorial zones, the campaign organisation dismissed the position as politically motivated.

It also described the October 20 stakeholders’ summit as a “kangaroo summit”, alleging that its organisers were seeking to secure support for Nwifuru’s second-term ambition.

The organisation accused Orji and other supporters of the governor’s re-election bid of placing political interests above the welfare and aspirations of ordinary residents.

It insisted that the choice of the next governor should be determined by leadership records, policy proposals, development priorities and the electorate’s decision.

The campaign team added that Odii remained committed to contesting the 2027 election and would not abandon his ambition in response to calls for his withdrawal.

Alleges Intimidation of Opposition

The Anyi Ga Eme Ya organisation also raised concerns about what it described as an atmosphere of intimidation against opposition politicians in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It alleged that Nwifuru had threatened to sack local government chairmen who failed to deliver their areas during the election, describing the alleged threat as an attempt to pressure council officials into supporting the governor’s political ambition.

The organisation further cited reported killings in Ohaukwu and attacks in Ezza South, Onicha and Ivo local government areas as issues requiring attention.

It also condemned a reported restriction on opposition parties’ campaigns in the state, arguing that political parties should be allowed to canvass for votes in accordance with democratic principles and the law.

The organisation called on the relevant authorities to protect political actors and their supporters, ensure the safety of residents and prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence.

It urged security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure that political activities ahead of the election take place in a peaceful environment.

The allegations concerning threats against local government chairmen and restrictions on opposition campaigns were not independently verified.

Warns Against Misuse of Odii’s Name

The campaign organisation also cautioned individuals against using Odii’s name to seek government favour, political patronage or personal benefits.

It reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as an alternative leadership agenda focused on development, accountability and citizens’ welfare.

The organisation said the debate over zoning should not overshadow public scrutiny of the incumbent administration’s record and the policy proposals of candidates seeking to govern the state.

Challenges Nwifuru to Public Debate

As part of its response to calls for Odii’s withdrawal, the campaign organisation challenged Nwifuru to participate in a public debate with the PDP candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

It said the proposed debate would provide both politicians with an opportunity to explain their records, present their policies and outline their plans for Ebonyi State.

According to the organisation, the engagement would enable voters to compare the candidates’ positions on governance and development before making their choices.

It maintained that the governor should be prepared to defend his administration’s record before the electorate rather than rely solely on political endorsements and zoning arguments.

The campaign organisation reiterated that Odii would continue to engage residents on his governorship ambition and urged them to participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.

The statement was signed by the Anyi Ga Eme Ya Campaign Organisation on behalf of Odii, the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State.