Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, affirmed on Thursday’s Politics Today programme that President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of a N70,000 monthly transport allowance demonstrates the president’s commitment to Nigerian workers.
The Federal Government sanctioned the transport intervention for all categories of public‑sector staff for a six‑month period beginning in November 2026. The decision followed a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on 27 October, during which the allowance was agreed upon. In addition, the agreement stipulates that any outstanding peculiar allowances will be cleared in three equal monthly instalments starting the same month. However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected the temporary allowance, arguing that workers need a permanent salary increase rather than short‑term relief.
"I think this government is doing well. If a man who was on N70,000 now is given N70,000 addition that makes it N140,000, it’s a hundred percent increase and if you know what N10,000 means for the real masses, you’ll appreciate that Tinubu has shown that he cares," Oshiomhole said during the interview.
What does the transport allowance cover?
The scheme adds a flat N70,000 to the existing monthly transport component of public‑sector salaries. For employees who previously received no transport benefit, the allowance effectively doubles their transport income, representing a 100 % rise. The government estimates that the measure will benefit millions of civil servants across the federation.
Why the TUC’s opposition?
While the allowance provides immediate cash flow, union leaders contend that it does not address the underlying issue of stagnant wages. The TUC has called for a structural revision of the salary scale, emphasizing that a temporary top‑up cannot substitute for a lasting improvement in remuneration.
Background to the policy
Transport subsidies have been a recurring demand of labour unions in Nigeria, especially after fuel price hikes and rising living costs. Previous administrations introduced similar short‑term grants, but critics argued they were insufficient and lacked sustainability. Tinubu’s administration presented the November 2026 rollout as part of a broader social welfare agenda aimed at cushioning the impact of inflation on workers.
The debate continues as the allowance is implemented, with supporters highlighting the immediate relief for low‑income earners and detractors urging the government to pursue comprehensive wage reforms.