Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers, describing it as a last-minute attempt to calm public anger over rising living costs.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the intervention failed to address the broader economic hardship affecting Nigerians.
“The Tinubu administration is scrambling from one announcement to another, showing its failure to grasp the crisis. The cost of living crisis reaches beyond transport: energy, food, rent and other essentials affect every part of daily life,” he said.
Atiku questioned why the relief was limited to public servants, noting that private sector workers, traders, small businesses and millions of Nigerians without formal employment also faced rising costs.
He also called on the government to clarify the implementation date for the new minimum wage, payment schedules and eligibility requirements for the transport allowance.
“Any genuine relief is welcome, but a six month allowance cannot undo this hardship. At about ₦1,400 per litre, ₦70,000 buys roughly 50 litres of petrol. What meaningful difference can 50 litres make over an entire month?” he asked.
The former vice president accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of offering temporary payments instead of addressing the consequences of its economic policies.
“These rushed announcements smack of political bribery and corruption. Tinubu has shown no genuine intention of clearing the monumental mess caused by his hasty subsidy removal. He offers temporary payments instead of confronting the consequences,” he said.
Atiku also criticised the government’s compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative, arguing that it had failed to deliver the promised reduction in transportation costs.
He advocated a transparently managed production subsidy for fuel refined in Nigeria, arguing that it would provide relief at filling stations.
“₦70,000 may help with transport, but it cannot explain why work, food and running a business have become unaffordable. Nigerians need lasting relief, decent wages and an economy that rewards honest work. When will life become affordable again?” he asked.
Atiku said his campaign would pursue measures to reduce living costs, increase household incomes and restore dignity to work.
