The 2027 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has criticized the Federal Government's proposed N70,000 transport allowance for public sector workers. He described the six-month payment plan as a political gimmick aimed at gaining support ahead of forthcoming elections. Adebayo argued that the intervention would not address the economic difficulties facing Nigerian workers. The SDP chieftain made his position known in a statement issued by Mark Adebayo, Chief Media and Communications Adviser to the party's Presidential Campaign Council.
Adebayo questioned the timing of the government's decision, describing the proposed allowance as a "sudden Greek gift". He argued that the temporary intervention would offer little relief from the rising cost of living, insisting that workers needed sustainable improvements in their earnings rather than short-term financial support. Adebayo also criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of relying on temporary measures instead of implementing lasting solutions to Nigeria's economic challenges.
The SDP presidential candidate maintained that sustainable economic growth would require investment in infrastructure, wealth-creation policies, and measures to improve workers' purchasing power. He pledged that, if elected president, his administration would restructure the economy, provide workers with a sustainable living wage, and implement policies to reduce poverty and insecurity. Adebayo's policy blueprint, titled Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity, outlines his proposals for transforming the economy and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
Similarly, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had earlier criticized the N70,000 transport allowance for public service workers, describing it as a temporary intervention that would do little to ease Nigeria's cost-of-living crisis. Atiku said the allowance would purchase only about 50 litres of petrol at an estimated price of N1,400 per litre. The ADC presidential candidate argued that the six-month intervention highlighted the government's failure to address the broader economic hardship affecting households and businesses.
The Federal Government announced the N70,000 transport allowance on Tuesday following a conciliation meeting in Abuja between government representatives and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Under the agreement, the payments are expected to begin in November and continue for six months. The government also approved the payment of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears dating back to May 1, 2026. The arrears are to be paid in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November.
The proposed transport allowance has also drawn criticism from organised labour, with the Trade Union Congress describing the arrangement as unsustainable and calling for an increase in workers' salaries. TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Nuhu Toro urged the government to prioritise improved wages and fulfil outstanding agreements with health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions.
Adebayo expressed confidence in his policy plans, stating that he has the best plans for the total and complete socioeconomic transformation of Nigeria and is the best prepared and capable among all the presidential candidates. The SDP candidate's criticisms of the government's transport allowance plan reflect a broader debate about the most effective ways to address Nigeria's economic challenges and improve the living conditions of its citizens.
Key points
- SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo criticizes government's N70,000 transport allowance plan as a vote-buying trick.
- The plan has also been criticized by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and organised labour.
- Adebayo pledges to restructure the economy and provide workers with a sustainable living wage if elected president.
