RismadarVoice Reporters
November 6, 2026
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance demonstrates concern for workers’ welfare.
Oshiomhole made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, November 5, where he assessed the administration’s performance and discussed the 2027 presidential election.
The former Nigeria Labour Congress president argued that the intervention would provide significant financial relief, particularly to workers earning lower salaries.
He explained that a worker receiving ₦70,000 monthly would temporarily have ₦140,000 if the additional allowance were paid, representing a 100 per cent increase in monthly income during the intervention period.
The Federal Government approved the transport allowance following an October 27 meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Under the agreement, eligible federal public service workers are expected to receive ₦70,000 monthly for six months, beginning in November 2026.
The agreement also provides for the settlement of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears in three equal monthly instalments, starting in November.
However, the Trade Union Congress rejected the temporary intervention, arguing that workers require permanent salary increases to address rising living costs.
The union maintained that short-term allowances would not provide sustainable improvements in workers’ purchasing power.
Oshiomhole also criticised the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under which Atiku Abubakar served as vice-president.
He accused the former administration of failing to guarantee regular salary payments and questioned its management of Nigeria’s foreign exchange system.
The senator credited Tinubu with unifying the exchange rate, arguing that the previous multiple-rate arrangement created opportunities for preferential access to foreign currency.
Turning to the 2027 election, Oshiomhole criticised opposition presidential candidate Peter Obi, claiming that he had not presented a convincing alternative to the administration’s economic policies.
He contrasted Obi’s business background with what he described as Tinubu’s longer-term approach to governance.
Oshiomhole also acknowledged the right of opposition candidates to contest the presidency but argued that Tinubu should be allowed to continue implementing his policies.
His comments come amid continuing debate over the economic impact of government reforms and the adequacy of measures introduced to support Nigerian workers.
While the transport allowance has been approved, its temporary nature remains a major point of disagreement between the government and sections of organised labour.
