Tinubu’s ₦70,000 Workers’ Transport Allowance Desperate Move To Contain Public Anger – Atiku

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has described the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 monthly transport support for public service workers as a desperate last-minute attempt to contain public anger, saying it admits that government policies have made life unbearable for millions.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the administration is scrambling from one announcement to another, showing its failure to grasp the crisis.

“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,” Atiku said.

“Barbers pay more to power their clippers; restaurant owners face higher cooking costs; shopkeepers struggle to keep prices down; school bus operators pay more for fuel; and families still must buy food. Every business and household is affected. Does hardship end at the bus stop?”

Atiku questioned the scope of the intervention, asking what happens to private sector workers, traders, small businesses, transport operators and millions without formal jobs if only public service workers receive ₦70,000 monthly for transport from November.

“The public workforce is only a fraction of Nigeria’s population. A temporary allowance for some cannot solve a national crisis,” he said.

He also faulted the agreement for leaving the effective date for a new minimum wage unresolved, demanding that the government publish payment dates, explain eligibility and say when wage negotiations will produce a decision.

“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?” Atiku asked.

“What Nigerians are witnessing is a government that set the house ablaze with its reckless policies, then pretends to fight the inferno by throwing ice cubes at the flames. A temporary ₦70,000 allowance cannot extinguish a cost of living crisis this government ignited.”

Atiku said the pattern of failed interventions has continued, arguing that the fuel discount failed, the 90-day cost of living plan failed before it began, and now comes another temporary payment.

“The government promised CNG would lower transport costs, but that promise has failed. For Nigerians still paying more to commute, the CNG programme is another scam of promises, while families face the same unaffordable prices,” he said.

“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.”

Atiku proposed what he described as a practical alternative: a transparently managed production subsidy for fuel refined in Nigeria, delivering relief at the pump.

“Tinubu must not punish 250 million Nigerians for the corruption and leakages of a few thousand. His arrogance prevents him from reconsidering a cocky decision, while families and businesses pay the price,” he said.

“₦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?”

Atiku said his campaign would pursue practical measures to lower living costs, raise household incomes and restore dignity to work.