Makinde Approves N10,000 Transport Allowance for Workers as Petrol Price Rises

Makinde Approves N10,000 Transport Allowance for Workers as Petrol Price Rises

The Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, has approved a monthly transport allowance of N10,000 for state workers as a palliative measure to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs across Nigeria.

The decision, announced on Monday, March 23, follows a formal request and sustained engagement by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo State, which had urged the government to intervene amid increasing transportation expenses linked to higher petrol prices.

Chairman of the Oyo State NLC, Kayode Martins, disclosed that the approval was granted after discussions with the state government. According to him, the intervention reflects the government’s responsiveness to workers’ welfare concerns in light of current economic pressures.

He explained that the allowance is expected to take effect from April 2026 and will apply to all categories of workers in the state’s public service. The measure, he added, is designed to provide immediate relief to civil servants who have been significantly affected by rising commuting costs.

“The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges,” the statement noted.

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The development comes as fuel prices continue to fluctuate following the removal of petrol subsidies, a policy shift that has led to increased pump prices and higher transportation fares nationwide. As a result, many workers have faced rising daily commuting expenses, prompting labour unions to seek government intervention.

The NLC stated that the allowance was a direct outcome of continued advocacy efforts aimed at mitigating the economic burden on workers. It added that further details regarding the implementation framework would be communicated by relevant government authorities in due course.

Across Nigeria, several state governments have introduced similar palliative measures, including wage adjustments, transport support schemes, and other welfare interventions, in response to the broader cost-of-living challenges affecting households and public sector employees.

Analysts say such allowances are increasingly becoming necessary as inflationary pressures and energy costs continue to impact disposable income, particularly for salaried workers who rely heavily on daily transportation.

While the transport allowance is expected to provide short-term relief, its long-term sustainability will depend on the fiscal health of the state and broader economic conditions. Nonetheless, the policy is widely viewed as a proactive step toward easing the burden on workers amid ongoing economic reforms.

Makinde Approves N10,000 Transport Allowance for Workers as Petrol Price Rises