Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated concern for Nigerian workers through the Federal Government’s approval of a monthly ₦70,000 transport allowance.
Oshiomhole made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he defended the administration’s economic policies and called on Nigerians to recognise its efforts.
According to the former Edo State governor, the additional payment would make a significant difference to low-income earners, particularly workers whose monthly salaries were previously ₦70,000.
He argued that the allowance would effectively double the income of such workers to ₦140,000, describing the intervention as evidence that the President was concerned about the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The Federal Government approved the ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers across all levels for an initial period of six months, beginning in November 2026.
The decision followed a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 27, where both parties reached an agreement on measures to address workers’ welfare concerns.
The agreement also provides for the payment of outstanding peculiar allowances in three equal monthly instalments, beginning in November.
However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected the transport allowance arrangement, maintaining that workers require a permanent salary increase rather than temporary financial assistance.
During the interview, Oshiomhole also criticised the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under which Atiku Abubakar served as vice-president. He alleged that the administration failed to guarantee the regular payment of workers’ salaries.
The senator further discussed the 2027 presidential election, contrasting Tinubu’s economic policies with those of Atiku, whom he accused of presiding over a multiple exchange-rate system that favoured individuals based on their connections.
He also criticised Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), arguing that he had yet to present a clear alternative to Tinubu’s policies.
Oshiomhole maintained that opposition candidates had the constitutional right to contest the presidency but argued that Tinubu should be allowed to continue in office, having already navigated the initial challenges of his administration.
