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 desperate attempt to contain public anger over the rising cost of living.
Atiku said the proposed six-month support failed to address the wider economic challenges facing Nigerians, including rising food prices, energy costs, rent and transportation fares.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned the exclusion of private-sector workers, traders, small businesses and millions of Nigerians working in the informal sector.
He said the cost-of-living crisis affects households and businesses across the country, adding that a temporary allowance for public service workers could not resolve the broader economic challenges.
Atiku also called on the Federal Government to clarify payment dates, eligibility requirements and the timeline for resolving negotiations on a new minimum wage.
He argued that at about ₦1,400 per litre, the ₦70,000 allowance would purchase roughly 50 litres of petrol, questioning its ability to provide meaningful relief over an entire month.
The ADC presidential candidate further criticised the government’s previous cost-of-living interventions, including fuel discounts, a 90-day cost-of-living plan and the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme, which he said had failed to reduce the burden on Nigerians.
While acknowledging that any genuine relief was welcome, Atiku maintained that temporary payments could not reverse the economic hardship he attributed to the Tinubu administration’s policies.
