Oshiomhole Says ₦70,000 Transport Allowance Shows Tinubu Cares About Workers

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s concern for their welfare.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Oshiomhole described the Tinubu administration as performing well and said the government deserved recognition for the intervention.

He argued that the allowance would significantly increase the earnings of low-income workers, particularly those currently earning ₦70,000 monthly.

“I think this government is doing well. If a man who was on ₦70,000 now is given ₦70,000 addition that makes it ₦140,000 for him, it’s a hundred per cent increase,” he said.

FG Approves Six-Month Transport Allowance

The Federal Government approved the monthly ₦70,000 transport intervention for workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026.

The decision followed a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 27. The agreement also provides for outstanding peculiar allowances to be paid in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November.

However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected the transport allowance, arguing that workers need a permanent salary increase rather than temporary financial relief.

Oshiomhole Criticises Opposition Candidates

The former Edo State governor also criticised the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under which Atiku Abubakar served as Vice-President, alleging that it failed to guarantee the regular payment of workers’ salaries.

Speaking about the 2027 presidential election, Oshiomhole said Nigerians would have to choose between Tinubu and opposition candidates, particularly Atiku and Peter Obi.

He credited Tinubu with unifying the foreign exchange rate and accused the previous administration of allowing different exchange rates for individuals based on their connections.

Oshiomhole also argued that Peter Obi had not presented an alternative to Tinubu’s policies, describing the former Anambra governor as a trader focused on short-term returns.

He said he respected the right of opposition candidates to contest but believed Tinubu should remain in office after addressing what he described as the initial challenges of his administration.

Channels Television