Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the government’s decision to provide an additional ₦70,000 to workers demonstrates concern for the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North said Nigerians should appreciate the significance of additional financial support, particularly for low-income earners who struggle to meet their daily needs.
Speaking during a television interview, Oshiomhole explained that an additional ₦70,000 for someone earning ₦70,000 represents a 100 per cent increase in the amount received.
In his words:
“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 per cent increase.
“And if you know what ₦10,000 means for the real masses, you’ll appreciate that Tinubu has shown that he cares.”
The senator’s comments come amid the Federal Government’s agreement with organised labour to introduce a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public service workers for six months, beginning in November 2026.
The agreement, reached following negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress, is part of measures to cushion the impact of rising transportation and living costs.
The government also agreed to address outstanding workers’ allowances and establish a committee to negotiate issues surrounding the national minimum wage. <Cite refs={[“turn117346news12″,”turn117346search8”]}/>
Oshiomhole, a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, has consistently defended aspects of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, maintaining that government interventions should be assessed against the realities facing ordinary Nigerians.
However, the proposed additional payment has also brought renewed attention to the country’s economic challenges, particularly the rising cost of food, transportation, housing and other essential commodities.
While an additional ₦70,000 represents a 100 per cent increase when added to an existing ₦70,000, the impact on workers’ purchasing power will ultimately depend on inflation, the cost of living and how long the intervention lasts.
Importantly, the agreed transport allowance is a temporary six-month intervention and should not be confused with a permanent increase in workers’ basic salaries.
As Nigerians continue to debate the impact of the government’s economic reforms, Oshiomhole’s comments have reignited conversations about workers’ welfare, purchasing power and the meaning of economic relief for low-income households.
But the bigger question remains: Is the additional ₦70,000 enough to ease the financial pressure on ordinary Nigerians?
