The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his disapproval of the Federal Government's proposed 30-day fuel discount plan at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited's (NNPCL) stations. According to a statement by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the plan as a "desperate, temporary gesture" that cannot alleviate the suffering caused by the high cost of fuel. The plan, which was unveiled by the Federal Government, offers fuel at a discount for 30 days, with priority given to transporters nationwide.
Atiku Abubakar stated that the proposed 30-day discount is not an economic plan but a political move to ease the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis ahead of the election. He described the government's action as "reckless, disgraceful and scandalous," adding that the same government had previously allowed Nigerians to endure hardship without providing meaningful relief. Atiku also noted that President Tinubu's administration is now offering a temporary discount at the center of the cost-of-living crisis that has tormented households and businesses.
Atiku Abubakar totally rejects the calendar-scheduled, election-laced subsidy package, stating that 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 described the government's action as "shameless and heartless." Atiku also questioned what would happen on Day 31, when Nigerians would wake up to the same brutal prices, punishing transport fares, and rising food costs.
The former Vice President noted that the offer is limited to NNPC stations, while the government has yet to state how much motorists will save per liter or guarantee that any savings for transport operators will be passed on to passengers through lower fares. Atiku Abubakar also stated that the present administration's sudden reversal on this sensitive social welfare issue was an admission of guilt over the hardship Nigerians have endured.
Atiku Abubakar restated his proposal for capped and budgeted production support tied to fuel refined in Nigeria, with safeguards to ensure that the benefit reaches consumers and supports local refining. He noted that Nigerians need lasting relief, not a countdown to the return of hardship. According to Atiku, Tinubu's government cannot spend years telling Nigerians to endure, then offer 30 days of relief and call it a solution.
The ADC Presidential Candidate also stated that the government's volte-face proves that his production-support proposal is workable, achievable, and not complicated. Atiku Abubakar expressed his concern that the government's temporary subsidy-style intervention would not provide lasting relief to Nigerians. He emphasized that the Tinubu government and its spin doctors have tried to make his proposal sound impossible, yet they are now reaching for a temporary solution.
Atiku Abubakar concluded that the government's 30-day fuel discount plan is a panic-driven publicity stunt that cannot repair the damage caused by the crushing cost of fuel. He urged Nigerians to reject this temporary measure and instead demand lasting relief from the government. The ADC Presidential Candidate remains committed to his proposal for a more sustainable solution to the fuel crisis.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar calls FG's 30-day fuel discount plan a "panic-driven publicity stunt".
- The plan offers fuel at a discount for 30 days, with priority given to transporters nationwide.
- Atiku Abubakar proposes capped and budgeted production support tied to fuel refined in Nigeria.
