Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day fuel discount at NNPC stations, calling it a temporary measure that fails to address Nigeria’s wider cost-of-living crisis.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said the planned discount amounted to a political response to rising public anger over fuel prices rather than a lasting economic solution.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, his Director of Strategic Communication, Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of offering short-term relief after years of rising fuel costs and worsening living conditions.
Atiku questions 30-day relief
Atiku said Nigerians should not be expected to accept one month of cheaper fuel when transport and food costs remain high.
“What happens on Day 31?” he asked, arguing that motorists would face the same fuel prices, transport fares and food costs once the discount ends.
He also questioned the scope of the proposal, noting that it would apply to NNPC stations.
He said the government had yet to disclose how much motorists would save per litre or explain how any savings for transport operators would translate into lower fares for passengers.
Atiku said the proposed discount amounted to an economic “bandage” rather than a long-term policy to reduce fuel costs.
He argued that the government’s decision to introduce temporary relief showed that his proposal for production support was workable.
Atiku has proposed capped and budgeted production support tied to fuel refined in Nigeria.
He said the policy should include safeguards to ensure consumers benefit while also supporting local refining.
The former vice president said Nigerians needed sustainable relief rather than a temporary reduction in fuel prices.
“Tinubu’s government cannot spend years telling Nigerians to endure, then offer 30 days of relief and call it a solution,” he said.
Atiku also renewed his pledge to reduce the cost of living if elected president in 2027.
“Tinubu made life expensive. I will make life affordable again,” he said.
