A recent SBM Intelligence survey has found that 67.4% of Nigerians reject President Bola Tinubu's fuel policy and demand the restoration of subsidies. The survey's findings were highlighted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who stated that the results represent a damning public verdict on the administration's policy. Atiku's statement was issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu. The survey's results indicate that Nigerians are seeking immediate relief from the crushing cost of living.
According to Atiku, the survey's findings are more than just an economic statistic; they represent the growing majority of Nigerians who have rejected Tinubu's economic philosophy. Atiku's alternative vision for the country involves a government that protects its citizens rather than abandoning them to market forces. He emphasized that the survey's results are not just about economic policy but have become a democratic question. The former Vice President noted that responsible leadership must listen to the will of the people.
The survey revealed that petrol has become the second-most cited national problem and the Tinubu administration's worst-rated policy issue, scoring a miserable 1.69 out of four. Atiku described the situation as a collective cry of Nigerian families who can no longer afford basic necessities. He noted that for three and a half years, Nigerians have suffered under Tinubu's 'subsidy is gone' experiment, which has led to exploding transport costs, soaring food prices, and collapsing businesses.
Atiku highlighted that the survey is particularly revealing because 32.4% of rural respondents identified petrol as their primary concern, compared with 11.7% in urban areas. Petrol also emerged as the leading concern in the Southwest, at 30.5%, and the South-South, at 29.1%. This indicates that the suffering caused by Tinubu's fuel policy cuts across geography, ethnicity, and political affiliation. According to Atiku, President Tinubu removed subsidy with a slogan, not a strategy.
Atiku criticized President Tinubu for not having a credible plan for domestic refining, mass transportation, wage protection, or support for small businesses that depend on affordable energy. He noted that the administration could no longer hide behind manipulated statistics, propaganda, and exaggerated claims about its CNG programme while Nigerians continued to pay unbearable prices for petrol and transportation. Atiku emphasized that Nigerians do not eat GDP figures; they need tangible improvements in their lives.
The former Vice President outlined his proposed intervention, which involves introducing a transparent production subsidy tied strictly to petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians. He stated that if elected, he would introduce this subsidy from May 29, 2027, with a fixed spending limit, National Assembly approval, and independent audits. The programme aims to reduce fuel prices, strengthen domestic refining, create Nigerian jobs, and restore purchasing power.
Atiku called on President Tinubu to stop pretending that the suffering of Nigerians was an unavoidable price of reform and provide immediate relief during his remaining months in office. He emphasized that the 67.4% demanding relief represents a democratic majority and a mandate for Atiku's alternative policy. Atiku concluded by stating that Tinubu made life expensive, and he will make life affordable again.
Key points
- 67.4% of Nigerians reject President Bola Tinubu's fuel policy.
- Atiku Abubakar proposes a transparent production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria.
- The survey's findings represent a democratic majority demanding relief from the fuel policy.
