Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s record on workers’ welfare, citing the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance as evidence of the administration’s concern for ordinary Nigerians.
Oshiomhole made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, where he praised the Tinubu administration’s policies and urged Nigerians to acknowledge its efforts.
“I think this government is doing well. If a man who was on ₦70,000 now is given ₦70,000 addition that makes it ₦140,000 for him it’s a hundred percent increase and if you know what ₦10,000 means for the real masses, you’ll appreciate that Tinubu has shown that he cares,” he said.
The Federal Government approved a monthly transport allowance of ₦70,000 for workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026. The intervention followed a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 27.
The agreement also provides for outstanding peculiar allowances to be paid in three equal monthly instalments, starting in November.
However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected the transport allowance, arguing that workers need a permanent salary increase rather than temporary financial relief.
Oshiomhole also took aim at the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under which Atiku Abubakar served as vice-president, alleging that it failed to ensure the regular payment of workers’ salaries.
Turning to the 2027 presidential election, the senator framed the contest as a choice between Tinubu, whom he credited with unifying Nigeria’s exchange rates, and Atiku, whom he accused of presiding over a multiple exchange-rate system that favoured individuals based on their connections.
He also criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, accusing him of failing to provide a convincing alternative to Tinubu’s policies.
“Peter Obi has not offered any alternative. I’ve always said that Peter Obi is a trader; the logic of a trader is short term turnover. A statesman that Tinubu represents thinks of the next generation,” Oshiomhole said.
While acknowledging the right of opposition candidates to contest the presidency, Oshiomhole argued that Tinubu should be given another opportunity to govern, having navigated the initial challenges of his administration.
He said Nigerians should allow the President to continue rather than “recruit a new apprentice”.
