African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar criticises President Bola Tinubu’s proposed N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers, arguing it will not ease Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis. In statements relayed by his senior aides, Atiku says the relief is too small and framed as insulting to workers.
Atiku’s central argument is that the allowance does not address broader economic hardship, extending beyond transport costs. He says energy, food, rent and other essentials also drive daily pressures, and he questions limiting the payment to public sector employees when private-sector workers, the informal economy and unemployed Nigerians are similarly affected. He also raises implementation questions, including how it will start and how eligibility, schedules and wage negotiations will be handled.
Multiple outlets report Atiku’s claim that the amount is insufficient compared with current petrol prices, presenting it as roughly equivalent to about 50 litres. Coverage largely aligns on the core dispute—Atiku’s rejection of the allowance’s adequacy—while differing mainly in how much context outlets add about who is affected and what policy details he calls for.
