Former presidential aide and Arise Television Morning Show anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, has criticised the Federal Government’s newly approved N70,000 monthly transportation allowance for public sector workers, describing the initiative as discriminatory because it leaves out private sector employees.

Speaking on Wednesday October 28, 2026, Abati argued that skyrocketing transportation costs and high fuel prices impact all Nigerians equally, questioning why the government's financial intervention was restricted solely to public servants.

"Private sector, who is going to give us 70,000 naira transportation costs? We all go to the same market. No, we are all buying fuel at a very high cost," Abati said.

Abati also faulted directives issued to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), noting that the proposed measures have yet to yield tangible relief for citizens. Additionally, he questioned the political timing of the rollout.

The Federal Government's N70,000 monthly transport intervention was agreed upon following a conciliation meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja.

Scheduled to run for six months beginning in November 2026, the allowance aims to cushion the impact of rising living costs for public service workers at all levels, alongside addressing outstanding welfare issues and allowances.

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