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

Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s record on workers’ welfare, describing the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance as evidence that the President cares about ordinary Nigerians.

The former Edo State governor made the assertion on Thursday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he urged Nigerians to acknowledge the Tinubu administration’s efforts and policies.

“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,” he stated.

The Federal Government had approved a ₦70,000 monthly transport intervention covering workers at all levels for six months, commencing in November 2026.

The approval came after discussions with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 27. Under the agreement, outstanding peculiar allowances will also be paid in three equal monthly instalments, starting in November.

The arrangement, however, has faced opposition from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which rejected the temporary transport support and maintained that workers deserve a permanent salary adjustment.

During the interview, Oshiomhole turned his attention to the previous administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, criticising its handling of workers’ welfare and alleging that salaries were not guaranteed under the former President’s government.

He further framed the 2027 presidential election as a contest between Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, accusing the latter of overseeing a multiple exchange rate system that allegedly favoured people with privileged connections.

In contrast, Oshiomhole praised Tinubu for unifying Nigeria’s exchange rate, presenting the policy as one of the administration’s achievements.

The senator also questioned Peter Obi’s policy proposals, claiming that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate had failed to offer Nigerians a clear alternative to Tinubu’s economic 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.

While recognising the right of opposition figures to contest the presidency, Oshiomhole argued that Tinubu should be allowed to continue his administration after “having gone through all the teething problems” instead of asking Nigerians to “recruit a new apprentice.”

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