Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers, describing the intervention as inadequate amid rising living costs.
Atiku, through his senior media aide, Phrank Shaibu, argued that the allowance offered little relief to workers struggling with rising petrol prices, transportation fares, food costs and other essential expenses.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the former vice-president said ₦70,000 could purchase only about 50 litres of petrol at a price of ₦1,400 per litre, questioning the government’s decision to present the proposed payment as meaningful support for workers.
“How can a government that removed fuel subsidy and pushed petrol price to over ₦1,000 per litre be telling workers that ₦70,000 is relief? ₦70,000 cannot even buy 50 litres of fuel. This is not relief, this is mockery,” Atiku said.
The ADC presidential candidate argued that the financial challenges facing Nigerian workers extend beyond transportation, noting that rising food prices, housing costs and household energy expenses continue to place pressure on families.
He accused the Tinubu administration of failing to provide sufficient relief from the economic consequences of its policies, arguing that the purchasing power of workers had weakened despite increases in nominal wages.
Atiku also questioned why the proposed transport allowance was limited to public service workers when private-sector employees, traders, small-business owners, transport operators and people working in the informal sector were also affected by rising living costs.
He maintained that a temporary allowance for a section of the workforce could not resolve the wider economic difficulties confronting Nigerians. According to him, government interventions should address the broader cost-of-living crisis rather than focus on isolated expenses.
The former vice-president called on the Federal Government to introduce a living wage that reflects prevailing economic conditions and the actual cost of meeting workers’ basic needs.
He also raised concerns about the implementation of wage-related commitments, urging the government to clarify the payment schedule for the proposed allowance, identify eligible beneficiaries and provide a definite timeline for resolving outstanding wage issues.
Atiku’s criticism comes amid wider disagreements over the adequacy of government support for workers. The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has also rejected the proposed ₦70,000 monthly wage award, calling instead for a ₦300,000 minimum salary and arguing that workers require a more sustainable improvement in their earnings.
The debate highlights continuing concerns about the relationship between wages, petrol prices and the cost of living in Nigeria. For many workers, transportation expenses represent only one part of their monthly financial obligations, alongside food, rent, electricity, healthcare and education.
While the Federal Government’s proposed allowance is intended to provide financial assistance to public service workers, Atiku insists that the amount is insufficient to address the wider economic pressures confronting households.
He urged the administration to adopt measures that would improve workers’ purchasing power and provide more lasting relief from rising living costs.
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