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

The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers shows that President Bola Tinubu cares about their welfare.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Oshiomhole said the Tinubu administration was doing well and deserved to be appreciated.

“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 percent increase and if you know what ₦10,000 means for the real masses, you’ll appreciate that Tinubu has shown that he cares,” Oshiomhole said.

The Federal Government approved the monthly ₦70,000 transport intervention for workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026, following a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 27.

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, arguing that workers need a permanent salary increase rather than temporary relief.

Oshiomhole also criticised the record of the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under which Atiku Abubakar served as Vice President, alleging that they were unable to guarantee the payment of workers’ salaries.

He said the 2027 presidential election would present Nigerians with a choice between Tinubu, whom he credited with unifying the exchange rate, and Atiku, whose administration he accused of allowing different exchange rates for people based on their connections.

The Edo North Senator also said the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had not offered an alternative to Tinubu’s policies.

“Peter Obi has not offered any alternative. I’ve always said that Peter Obi is a trader; the logic of a trader is short term turnover. A statesman that Tinubu represents thinks of the next generation,” he said.

He said he respects the right of opposition candidates to contest for the presidency but believes Tinubu should remain in office after “having gone through all the teething problems” rather than “recruit a new apprentice.”