The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement have expressed disapproval of the Federal Government's 30-day petrol discount through NNPC retail stations, labeling it as "tokenism" and an attempt to reintroduce subsidy through the backdoor. The discount was announced by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, as part of measures to cushion the impact of high fuel prices.
The Obidient Movement, in a statement by its Director of Media and Communications, Onyeka Dike, questioned the government's timing, noting that it took three years for the administration to introduce measures to alleviate the burden of high petrol prices on Nigerians. Dike asked if the decision was linked to the 2027 presidential election and whether the government's change of heart was influenced by Peter Obi's stance on subsidy restoration.
The Obidient Movement urged Nigerians not to be swayed by the temporary relief, emphasizing that the country needs sustained affordable fuel, food, and education rather than short-term measures introduced ahead of an election. Dike stated that three years of suffering could not be erased by 30 days of petrol discount. The movement described the policy as an election-season strategy.
The NDC also condemned the Federal Government's announcement, describing it as "tokenism and a Greek gift" from a government that removed fuel subsidy without proper consideration or consultation. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the policy could not address the economic consequences of subsidy removal, including job losses and business closures.
The NDC further criticized the government's decision to limit discounted petrol to designated NNPC retail outlets, questioning how these stations could adequately serve over 200 million Nigerians. Director warned that the arrangement could lead to congestion and stampedes at filling stations. The party accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of attempting to reintroduce petrol subsidy through the backdoor.
The Federal Government had earlier explained that the 30-day measure was part of a broader package of interventions aimed at cushioning the effect of high fuel prices. Oyedele said the government was negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol to reduce sharp fluctuations in pump prices. The government is also pursuing increased cash transfers to vulnerable households and subsidized credit for small businesses and consumers.
The controversy surrounding the petrol discount comes more than three years after Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy in his May 29, 2023, inaugural address, a decision that triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices. The NDC maintained that the announcement was evidence of the failure of the APC administration's economic policies and urged Nigerians to vote for Peter Obi and other NDC candidates in the 2027 elections.
Key points
- The NDC and Obidient Movement have condemned the government's 30-day petrol discount as insufficient and an election-year gimmick.
- The government's decision to limit discounted petrol to designated NNPC retail outlets has been criticized for its potential to cause congestion and stampedes.
- The controversy surrounding the petrol discount highlights the ongoing debate over fuel subsidy removal and its impact on Nigerians.
