Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the government's stance on fuel subsidy removal, citing the immense hardship it has caused Nigerians. In a statement, Atiku said the Tinubu administration has failed to protect ordinary Nigerians from economic hardship, with many families struggling to make ends meet. He urged the government to take a cue from Germany, which has cut fuel taxes to shield its citizens from rising costs.
Atiku highlighted Germany's move to cut gasoline and diesel taxes by €0.17 per litre from October to December, at an estimated cost of €2.5 billion. He noted that this move has led to a decrease in fuel prices at the pump. In contrast, Nigeria's fuel subsidy removal has led to increased transport costs, making food and other essentials more expensive. Atiku emphasized that Nigerians deserve the same compassion and urgency from their government.
The former Vice President criticized President Tinubu's Independence Day address, saying it revealed the government's disconnection from the people's daily reality. Atiku argued that the President's defense of policies that have made fuel and basic necessities unaffordable has worsened the situation. He also challenged the President's claim that salaries and pensions have been paid "on time and in full," citing reports of delays and protests from federal workers and pensioners.
Atiku outlined his strategy to address fuel subsidy, which involves restoring targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria. He promised that this approach would create jobs, ease costs for Nigerians, and be funded by cutting waste. Atiku's plan would also ensure that support is strictly audited and guaranteed to lower pump prices. He emphasized that his approach would not apply to imported fuel.
The ADC presidential candidate expressed deep sympathy for Nigerians forced to choose between basic needs, saying they did not deserve the hardship caused by the government's policies. Atiku promised to make life affordable again, citing Nigeria's wealth and potential to ease the burden on its people. He vowed to create jobs and implement policies that would put more money in the pockets of Nigerians.
Atiku's call for a change in the government's approach comes amid widespread protests and strikes over fuel prices and wages. The Nigerian Public Servants Union has begun a three-day strike, demanding relief from the economic hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal. Atiku's statement has added to the growing pressure on the Tinubu administration to reconsider its policies.
The development highlights the ongoing debate over fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria, with many arguing that it has worsened economic hardship for ordinary citizens. Atiku's proposal offers an alternative approach, focusing on targeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria. The government's response to Atiku's call and the growing pressure from various stakeholders remains to be seen.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar urges President Tinubu to reconsider fuel subsidy removal policy
- Atiku proposes targeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria
- Nigeria's fuel subsidy removal has led to increased economic hardship for ordinary citizens
