Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its planned ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers, arguing that the intervention will not resolve the widespread economic hardship facing Nigerians.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, described the proposed allowance as an inadequate response to the rising cost of living, noting that the financial difficulties confronting households extend beyond transportation to food, electricity, rent and other essential expenses.
The allowance, scheduled to commence in November 2026, is expected to run for six months as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to cushion the impact of rising living costs on public sector workers.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku argued that the government’s intervention would provide only temporary relief without addressing the underlying economic challenges.
He pointed to the difficulties faced by small business owners, including barbers struggling with electricity costs, restaurant operators paying more for cooking energy and traders battling rising operating expenses.
According to him, the hardship affects virtually every segment of society, raising questions about why the proposed support is restricted to public service workers.
Atiku also questioned the exclusion of private sector employees, traders, transport operators, small business owners and millions of Nigerians working in the informal economy.
He argued that a temporary allowance for a section of the workforce could not adequately address a crisis affecting the wider population.
The former vice president further illustrated his concerns by comparing the allowance with petrol prices, stating that ₦70,000 would purchase approximately 50 litres of petrol at an estimated price of ₦1,400 per litre.
He questioned whether such an amount would provide meaningful relief throughout an entire month, considering the additional financial responsibilities faced by workers and their families.
Atiku also called on the Federal Government to clarify the eligibility requirements and payment schedule for the allowance, while demanding greater certainty over the effective date of a new minimum wage and the outcome of wage negotiations.
He faulted previous government interventions, including the compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative, arguing that they had not delivered sufficient relief to Nigerians struggling with transportation costs.
As an alternative, Atiku proposed a transparently managed production subsidy for fuel refined in Nigeria, saying the approach could help reduce pump prices while addressing concerns about corruption and financial leakages.
He maintained that the government should prioritise sustainable policies capable of lowering living costs, improving household incomes and making it easier for businesses to operate.
Atiku’s criticism comes amid continuing debate over the adequacy of government measures to cushion the effects of economic reforms. The Trade Union Congress has also rejected the proposed transport allowance, calling instead for higher wages and broader measures to address workers’ welfare.
The Federal Government’s planned six-month allowance is therefore facing scrutiny over its reach, duration and potential impact on the financial pressures confronting Nigerian households.
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