Tinubu’s N70,000 transport allowance discriminatory – Reuben Abati
Former Aide Criticizes Government’s Transportation Allowance for Public Sector Workers
Dr. Reuben Abati, a former presidential aide and current anchor of Arise Television’s Morning Show, has expressed strong disapproval of the Federal Government’s decision to grant a N70,000 transportation allowance specifically to public sector workers. He characterized the initiative as discriminatory, noting that it overlooks employees in the private sector.
Abati argued that the rising costs of transportation and fuel impact all Nigerians, regardless of their employment status. He questioned the government’s rationale for limiting financial support to public servants amidst widespread economic challenges.
“This initiative raises concerns about fairness,” Abati said during a discussion on the government’s transportation support plan amid increasing living expenses. “Why is it only for the public service? The pressures of rising costs affect everyone.”
He further criticized the private sector’s lack of similar assistance, highlighting that private employees are also grappling with high fuel prices and living costs. “Who is going to provide N70,000 for transportation in the private sector?” Abati remarked. “We all face the same market conditions.”
Additionally, he challenged the government’s directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), expressing skepticism over the effectiveness of proposed measures to alleviate economic strain on citizens. “We have not seen any tangible results from the NNPC initiative,” he noted, reiterating his view that the allowance is unjustly selective.
The Federal Government’s approval of the N70,000 monthly transportation allowance followed a conciliation meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja on Tuesday. According to reports, the allowance is set to be implemented over six months, beginning in November 2026, as a means to mitigate the impact of rising costs on public service workers.
The agreement also aims to address outstanding allowances and other welfare concerns for workers.
