Atiku faults FG’s ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Federal Government's plan for a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers, stating that the allowance is insufficient to alleviate rising living costs. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, argued that the allowance would not adequately address the broader economic difficulties faced by workers, businesses, and families.

He questioned the impact of the allowance, noting that ₦70,000 would purchase only about 50 litres of petrol at an assumed price of ₦1,400 per litre. Atiku accused the government of addressing economic hardship with temporary payments rather than tackling the underlying causes of rising living costs, which include food, energy, rent, and other essential goods and services.

He emphasized that the allowance would leave out a significant portion of Nigerians, including those in the private sector, trades, small businesses, transport operators, and people in the informal economy. Atiku called on the government to clarify the payment schedule and eligibility criteria for the allowance, while expressing concern over the unresolved effective date for a new minimum wage.