Senator Adams Oshiomhole declared on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu had shown care for workers through the approval of a monthly ₦70,000 transport allowance.
The Edo North senator made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He described the measure as evidence that the administration prioritised the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The Federal Government approved the allowance after a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress on October 27. Officials said workers across all levels would receive the monthly payment for six months starting in November 2026.
The agreement also covered outstanding peculiar allowances. Authorities planned to pay those arrears in three equal monthly installments beginning in November.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress rejected the temporary support. Its leaders argued that workers needed a permanent salary increase rather than short-term relief.
Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, stressed the practical value of the extra payment. He said a worker previously earning ₦70,000 would now take home ₦140,000 during the intervention period.
“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,” Oshiomhole stated.
He added that the administration deserved recognition for the step.
Oshiomhole further criticised the record of the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under which Atiku Abubakar served as vice president. He alleged that the earlier government failed to guarantee the payment of workers’ salaries.
The senator’s comments came as the transport allowance prepared to take effect. Officials confirmed the intervention remained separate from the existing national minimum wage of ₦70,000.
