The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited's (NNPC) ₦66-per-litre petrol discount has sparked complaints from motorists, who argue that the requirement to download its mobile application and pay digitally makes the relief harder to access. The discount was announced as part of efforts to ease the pressure of rising petrol prices, with public transport operators expected to receive priority. However, motorists in Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, and other locations have questioned why they must use an app to benefit from the price reduction.
Motorists say the app requirement makes the ₦66 petrol discount harder to access, citing concerns about limited data, poor network access, and high petrol prices. Some drivers argue that requiring a smartphone, internet data, registration, and digital payment could exclude commercial drivers, tricycle operators, and other customers who rely on cash transactions. At an NNPC mega station in Abuja, motorists paying directly at the pump were charged ₦1,405 per litre, while customers using the app paid ₦1,339 per litre.
The discount was initially introduced on October 1 to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary and was later extended until October 31, 2026, across NNPC's retail stations nationwide. NNPC's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said the app-based discount was intended to ensure effective control, prevent abuse, and ensure the benefit reached its intended customers. Odeh also said the promotion was designed to encourage wider adoption of the NNPC Fuel App.
Motorists have called for the discount to be applied directly at filling-station pumps rather than making customers complete additional steps before receiving it. Some drivers said petrol remained too expensive even with the reduction, calling for deeper and more sustainable price cuts to ease transport costs and the wider cost of living. The complaints extend beyond the app, with some drivers expressing concerns about the high cost of petrol.
The Federal Government has maintained that the arrangement is not a return to the petrol subsidy regime abolished in 2023. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele said NNPC Retail would temporarily forgo its retail profit margin to offer the reduction. Oyedele said the discount was not being funded from the Federation Account, and NNPC Retail would reduce its margin and pass the savings to customers during the promotional period.
The app requirement and the limited reach of NNPC's retail network have raised questions about how accessible the relief is to motorists across the country. Customers who live far from NNPC stations or lack reliable internet access may find it more difficult to benefit. The discount also does not establish a uniform petrol price nationwide, as NNPC says it applies only at its retail outlets, while prices at other stations continue to reflect their own market conditions.
For motorists, the central question remains whether a temporary ₦66 reduction, accessible only through a mobile application, will provide meaningful relief from high fuel and transport costs. The issue has sparked a wider conversation about the need for more sustainable solutions to address the high cost of petrol and its impact on the cost of living. Key stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
Key points
- Motorists criticize NNPC's app-only requirement for ₦66 petrol discount
- The discount was extended until October 31, 2026, across NNPC's retail stations nationwide
- The Federal Government maintains that the arrangement is not a return to the petrol subsidy regime abolished in 2023
