Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the Federal Government’s plan to offer a 30-day fuel discount at NNPC stations, saying the move will not solve the hardship Nigerians have faced due to high fuel prices.
Atiku, through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of using temporary relief to win public support as the election approaches.
He said the administration had allowed Nigerians to suffer for years without providing meaningful help.
“Now, as the election draws closer, President Tinubu is dangling a temporary discount at the very epicentre of the cost-of-living crisis that has tormented households and businesses.”
Atiku also rejected the offer, describing it as a political move rather than a real economic solution.
“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. The government cannot manufacture relief for one month and expect Nigerians to applaud while the hardship remains,” he said.
He also questioned why the discount would only apply at NNPC stations, noting that the government had not explained how much motorists would save per litre or guaranteed lower transport fares.
Atiku said the policy reversal showed that his proposal for production support was possible. He called for budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, with safeguards to ensure consumers benefit and local refineries receive support.
“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.
He added: “Tinubu made life expensive. I will make life affordable again.”
