Tinubu’s N70,000 transport allowance excludes millions of Nigerians, sparks controversy

According to a report by Daily Post on Tuesday November 03, 2026, the Federal Government’s planned N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public sector workers has sparked controversy, with millions of Nigerians, including private-sector employees, self-employed individuals and unemployed citizens, excluded from the proposed intervention.

President Bola Tinubu approved the allowance through the Minister of Labour following pressure from organised labour over rising petrol prices and demands for improvements to the N70,000 minimum wage, whose purchasing power has been weakened by inflation.

The administration has scheduled November 5 for the commencement of the payment. However, disagreements between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have emerged over the initiative.

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures show that Nigeria has approximately 71.2 million self-employed workers, while just 3.32 million people are employed in the public sector. The private sector accounts for another 9.64 million formally employed workers, highlighting how limited the proposed benefit would be.

The development comes as Nigerians continue to face increasing living expenses, with food inflation reaching 19.59 per cent in September 2026 and petrol selling between N1,370 and N1,429 per litre.

Public affairs analysts have questioned the fairness and effectiveness of the policy. Arise Television presenters Reuben Abati and Oseni Rufai criticised the allowance, with Abati describing it as discriminatory and Rufai arguing that the amount would not adequately cover transportation expenses.

Meanwhile, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo have reportedly disagreed over the planned implementation.

Speaking to DAILY POST, Centre for Social Justice Lead Director Eze Onyekpere described the initiative as an attempt to secure political support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onyekpere argued that transportation relief should extend beyond civil servants, particularly to unemployed and informal-sector workers who also face rising commuting costs.

He recommended a comprehensive reduction in transportation expenses through locally manufactured Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and heavily subsidised vehicle conversions.

He also questioned why the government had not used savings from fuel subsidy removal to support affordable public transportation.

Warning against temporary financial incentives, Onyekpere said the allowance could disappear after the elections without a sustainable funding arrangement.

He insisted that transportation interventions should be properly budgeted and designed to benefit Nigerians across different employment categories.

Mosixroyal247coverage feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com