Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the Federal Government’s decision to pay federal workers a monthly transport allowance of ₦70,000, arguing that the amount offers limited relief amid rising transportation and living costs.
Atiku said the allowance would buy only about 50 litres of petrol at an estimated price of ₦1,400 per litre, raising concerns about whether the intervention would significantly ease the financial pressure on workers.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate made his position known in a statement released on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications for the party’s Presidential Campaign Council.
He argued that the government’s plan to pay the allowance for six months did not adequately address the economic difficulties facing Nigerian families and businesses.
The Federal Government approved the payment after negotiations with organised labour. The scheme is expected to commence in November 2026.
Atiku also criticised the decision to limit the benefit to federal public servants, questioning why private-sector workers, traders and people earning a living in the informal sector were left out of the arrangement.
He called on the government to introduce more sustainable measures to reduce the cost of living. Among his proposals was a transparently managed petrol subsidy for fuel refined locally, which he believes could help bring down pump prices.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has also rejected the transport allowance, arguing that workers need an immediate salary increase rather than temporary financial support.
