Oshiomhole Defends Federal Transport Allowance as Tinubu’s Administration Faces Union Scrutiny

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has voiced strong support for the federal government’s recent decision to implement a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former labour leader argued that the intervention demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s responsiveness to the needs of the Nigerian workforce.

The Details of the Transport Intervention

The federal government’s transport initiative, which was finalized following a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 27, 2026, is scheduled to run for six months. Beginning in November 2026, the allowance is intended to provide immediate financial relief to workers across all levels. Additionally, the agreement includes a provision for the payment of outstanding peculiar allowances, which are to be settled in three equal monthly installments starting in November.

Oshiomhole emphasized the scale of this increase, noting that for a worker previously earning ₦70,000, the addition effectively doubles their monthly income. He characterized this as a significant gesture of care for the “real masses” during a period of economic adjustment.

Union Dissent and Economic Policy

While the NLC participated in the discussions leading to the agreement, the policy has not received universal support from organized labor. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has formally rejected the transport allowance. According to the TUC, the government’s approach provides only temporary relief, whereas workers require a more sustainable, permanent salary increase to cope with the rising cost of living.

Political Context and 2027 Outlook

Beyond the transport allowance, Oshiomhole used his appearance to frame the upcoming 2027 presidential election as a choice between distinct governance philosophies. He contrasted President Tinubu’s policies—specifically citing the unification of the exchange rate—with the records of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the approach of Peter Obi.

Oshiomhole criticized the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under which Atiku served, alleging failures in salary payment consistency and exchange rate management. Regarding Peter Obi, the Senator argued that the opposition candidate has failed to provide a viable policy alternative to the current administration. He described Obi’s approach as that of a “trader” focused on short-term turnover, contrasting it with what he termed the “statesman” approach of President Tinubu.

The Senator concluded by suggesting that the current administration has already navigated the initial “teething problems” of governance and that continuity would be more beneficial to the nation than electing a “new apprentice.”

Conclusion

The debate over the ₦70,000 transport allowance highlights the ongoing tension between the federal government’s reliance on targeted interventions and the labor movement’s demand for structural wage reform. While supporters like Senator Oshiomhole view these measures as essential support, the rejection by the TUC indicates that the dialogue between the government and labor unions remains complex and unresolved.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television