Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers, saying the measure will not address the wider cost-of-living crisis.
Atiku, in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said the economic hardship confronting Nigerians goes beyond transportation to include food, energy, rent and other basic needs.
The former vice president questioned the decision to restrict the allowance to public service workers, arguing that private sector employees, traders, small businesses, transport operators and millions of Nigerians working outside the formal sector were also affected by rising costs.
He said the six-month intervention, scheduled to begin in November, could only provide limited relief and would not resolve the underlying economic challenges facing households and businesses.
Atiku also questioned the value of the allowance amid high fuel prices, noting that N70,000 at about N1,400 per litre would purchase roughly 50 litres of petrol.
He further criticised the government over previous interventions, including the fuel discount, the 90-day cost-of-living plan and the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme, which he claimed had failed to provide the promised relief.
According to him, Nigerians need policies that permanently reduce the cost of living, increase household incomes and make businesses more sustainable rather than temporary financial interventions.
Atiku also demanded clarity on the implementation of a new minimum wage, including the effective date, payment schedule and eligibility for the transport allowance.
He proposed a transparently managed production subsidy for fuel refined in Nigeria as an alternative approach to reducing pressure on consumers.
The ADC presidential candidate said his campaign would pursue measures aimed at lowering living costs, raising household incomes and restoring dignity to work.
The Federal Government had agreed to provide N70,000 monthly transport support to public service workers for six months beginning from November 2026 as part of measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
