The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the Federal Government over the rising cost of living in Nigeria. He contrasted Nigeria's fuel-pricing policy with Germany's decision to temporarily cut taxes on petrol and diesel to cushion energy costs for citizens. Atiku stated that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration has failed in its responsibility to protect Nigerians from the impact of soaring living costs.
Atiku's comments followed Germany's decision to reduce energy taxes on petrol and diesel from October 1 to December 31, 2026, to cushion consumers and businesses against elevated fuel prices. The German government announced a reduction in energy taxes by 14 cents per litre, reaching approximately 17 cents per litre when including value-added tax adjustments, to deliver an estimated €2.5bn in public relief. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz explained that the emergency measure was designed to provide rapid relief to households and businesses affected by high energy costs.
Atiku noted that President Tinubu's Independence Day address failed to reflect the economic reality confronting ordinary citizens. He faulted the President's defence of the petrol subsidy removal and his description of subsidies as "addictive". Atiku also challenged Tinubu's claim that salaries and pensions were being paid "on time and in full", stating that federal workers continued to report payment delays while pensioners protested over unpaid entitlements.
Atiku stated that soaring petrol prices had triggered inflationary pressures across the economy, noting that transport costs directly dictate food prices and household supplies. He said that when petrol becomes more expensive, transport becomes more expensive; when transport costs rise, food and other essentials cost more, and the hardship follows Nigerians from the filling station to the market and into their homes.
Atiku proposed targeted support for locally refined petrol rather than a blanket subsidy, advocating government funding tied strictly to fuel refined within Nigeria and subject to public auditing. He said support will follow the barrel refined here, creating jobs locally, easing costs for Nigerians, and eliminating subsidies on imported fuel.
Expressing sympathy for citizens struggling with high living costs, Atiku promised an economic policy shift if elected to office. He said to every Nigerian forced to choose between feeding a family, paying for transport, or meeting another basic need, he is deeply sorry because they do not deserve this hardship. Atiku vowed to make life affordable again.
Atiku's call for a reduction in fuel taxes comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with the rising cost of living. His suggestion has sparked a renewed debate on the need for the government to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of soaring energy costs on citizens. The Federal Government has yet to respond to Atiku's comments.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar urges President Tinubu to cut fuel taxes like Germany to cushion energy costs for Nigerians.
- Atiku criticizes FG over rising cost of living, says administration has failed to protect Nigerians from soaring living costs.
- Atiku proposes targeted support for locally refined petrol, advocating government funding tied to fuel refined within Nigeria.
