The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for workers in the state as part of measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
The palliative, announced on Monday, March 23, is aimed at easing the financial burden on the state workforce following the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Kayode Martins, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter. According to Martins, the approval came after the union formally engaged the state government earlier in the day, seeking urgent intervention to support workers struggling with escalating transportation costs.
“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state,” the statement read.
The allowance is scheduled to take effect from April 2026 and is expected to provide immediate relief to thousands of civil servants and public sector employees affected by the current economic realities.
Rising fuel prices have had a ripple effect across Nigeria, significantly increasing the cost of transportation and general living expenses. Workers in many states have raised concerns about the strain on their incomes, prompting labour unions to intensify advocacy for government intervention.
Martins noted that the newly approved allowance is a direct outcome of sustained engagement between labour representatives and the state government. He described the decision as a positive step toward addressing the economic challenges faced by workers.
“This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce,” he added.
While welcoming the move, labour leaders also expressed hope that the allowance would be implemented promptly and transparently. They emphasized the need for continued dialogue between the government and workers to address broader welfare concerns.
The state government is expected to release further details regarding the implementation process, including payment modalities and eligibility criteria, in the coming weeks.
Observers say the decision by the Oyo State government reflects a growing trend among subnational governments in Nigeria to introduce targeted palliatives in response to economic pressures. However, they note that long-term solutions will require broader economic reforms to stabilize fuel prices and reduce the cost of living.
For now, workers in Oyo State are expected to benefit from the temporary relief provided by the transport allowance as they navigate the challenges posed by rising expenses.
