African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has promised to alleviate the economic burden on Nigerians by reducing the costs of petrol, transportation, food, and other essential goods if elected president in 2027. Atiku made this pledge while criticizing the current administration's handling of petrol subsidy removal and expressing sympathy for Nigerians struggling with rising living costs. His position was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku challenged President Tinubu's defense of the petrol subsidy removal and his description of subsidies as "addictive," arguing that the policy has contributed to higher transportation and household costs. He disputed the President's claim that salaries and pensions have been paid "on time and in full," stating that federal workers have reported delays while pensioners continue to protest over unpaid entitlements. Atiku used Germany's recent intervention on fuel prices as an example of how governments can take targeted measures to reduce the impact of high energy costs on citizens.
Germany reduced energy taxes on petrol and diesel from October 1 to December 31, 2026, as part of measures aimed at easing pressure on households and businesses. The reduction was set at 14 cents per liter, rising to about 17 cents when the associated reduction in value-added tax is included. The measure is expected to provide about €2.5 billion in relief. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that it was designed to offer quick assistance to people and businesses facing high fuel costs.
Atiku drew a comparison between Germany's approach and the situation in Nigeria, stating that the impact of expensive petrol extends beyond filling stations to influence the prices of food and other commodities. He emphasized that when petrol becomes more expensive, transportation costs rise, and this, in turn, affects the cost of food and other essentials. Atiku expressed regret over the hardship facing households struggling to balance food, transportation, and other basic expenses.
Rather than returning to a blanket petrol subsidy, Atiku proposed targeted government support for fuel refined locally. He suggested that the scheme would be funded through cuts to waste and subjected to strict auditing, with the benefit restricted to petrol refined in Nigeria. Atiku emphasized that reducing fuel costs would also help lower transportation expenses and the cost of moving goods from producers and suppliers to markets.
Atiku said that his proposed approach would be to "produce here, create jobs here and make life affordable again." He stressed that Nigeria's wealth should ease the burden on its people. The ADC presidential candidate expressed sympathy for Nigerians forced to choose between feeding a family, paying for transport, or meeting another basic need, stating that they did not deserve the hardship.
Atiku's proposal aims to create jobs, lower living costs, and provide relief to households struggling with the economic burden. His plan involves local refining, targeted support, and strict auditing to ensure the benefit reaches Nigerians. The ADC presidential candidate emphasized that he would make life affordable again for Nigerians if elected in 2027.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar promises to reduce economic burden on Nigerians by lowering costs of petrol, transportation, food, and essential goods if elected president in 2027.
