Reuben Abati, a prominent Nigerian journalist and former presidential aide, has expressed concerns over the Federal Government's decision to provide a N70,000 monthly transport allowance exclusively to public servants. Abati argued that this move is discriminatory, as private sector employees face similar financial pressures due to rising fuel and commuting costs. He questioned who would provide comparable assistance to private sector workers, who buy fuel and goods from the same markets as public servants.
The transport allowance is part of an agreement reached between government representatives and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leaders on October 27, 2026, in Abuja. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment convened the negotiations, which aimed to address workers' welfare concerns. Under the arrangement, the government will provide the transport support for six months from November 2026. Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi chaired the meeting, while NLC President Joe Ajaero led the union's delegation.
Abati's criticism of the government's decision highlights the potential disparity in treatment between public and private sector workers. He argued that employment outside government service does not shield workers from rising living expenses. Abati's comments were reported by Daily Post, in which he stated that the transport allowance should not be limited to public servants, as everyone is affected by the high cost of living.
The agreement between the government and labour representatives also includes other commitments, such as paying outstanding peculiar allowance arrears and settling 19 months of outstanding allowances for health workers. The government agreed to pay the arrears effective from May 1, 2026, in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November. However, the two parties did not resolve their disagreement over the effective date for implementing the minimum wage arrangements under discussion.
A Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee will be established to address the issue, with meetings set to begin immediately. The government assured labour representatives that it respects the congress's right to seek improved working conditions and is addressing its concerns through a structured intervention. Both sides agreed to reconvene after one month to assess progress on implementing the resolutions.
Abati also questioned the timing of the government's announcement, suggesting that political considerations may have influenced the initiative. He expressed concerns that the directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) had not been implemented, adding that everyone is affected by the current economic situation.
The details of the transport payment, including exact payment dates and administrative arrangements for disbursement, have yet to be specified. The meeting urged state and local governments to participate in the intervention and called on unions to pursue implementation at their respective levels. The government's efforts to address workers' welfare concerns are ongoing, with a focus on finding solutions to the current economic challenges.
Key points
- Reuben Abati challenges government's decision to limit transport allowance to public servants
- Government agrees to pay outstanding allowances and settle health workers' arrears
- Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee to be established to address workers' concerns
