Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government’s planned 30-day petrol discount at NNPC filling stations, describing the measure as a temporary gesture that would not address the country’s cost-of-living crisis.
Atiku’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.
He described the proposed discount as a “panic-driven publicity stunt”, accusing the Tinubu administration of introducing the measure after years of rising fuel prices and economic hardship.
Atiku said Nigerians should not be expected to accept one month of discounted petrol after enduring high fuel and transportation costs for an extended period.
“Atiku totally rejects this calendar-scheduled, election-laced subsidy package. Nigerians are not fools to be offered a month of discounted fuel after years of punishing prices and then expected to forget the hardship when the discount expires,” he said.
He questioned what would happen after the 30-day period, arguing that Nigerians would still face high petrol prices, transport fares and food costs.
“What happens on Day 31? Nigerians wake up to the same brutal prices, the same punishing transport fares and the same rising cost of food,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President also questioned the scope of the intervention, noting that it would be limited to NNPC stations.
He said the government had yet to disclose how much motorists would save per litre or explain how the discount would translate into lower transport fares for passengers.
Atiku further argued that the government’s decision to introduce the temporary measure showed that his proposal for production support tied to locally refined petrol was feasible.
He reiterated his call for capped and budgeted production support for fuel refined in Nigeria, with safeguards to ensure that the benefits reach consumers and support local refining.
“Nigerians need lasting relief, not a countdown to the return of hardship. Tinubu’s government cannot spend years telling Nigerians to endure, then offer 30 days of relief and call it a solution,” he said.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that petrol would be sold at a discount at NNPC filling stations for 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, also said the government was negotiating a N1,350-per-litre ceiling on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol as part of measures to stabilise pump prices.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
