Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Obidient Movement, the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential campaign organisation have criticised the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day petrol discount, describing it as inadequate and politically motivated.
The Federal Government announced that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) would temporarily forgo its retail profit margin and sell petrol at cost, with priority given to public transport operators, to cushion Nigerians against rising global oil prices.
Atiku described the initiative as a publicity stunt, questioning its sustainability and the absence of clear guarantees that lower fuel costs would translate into reduced transport fares. The Obidient Movement also questioned the timing, arguing that temporary relief could not compensate for years of rising living costs.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress described the measure as inadequate, while Makinde’s campaign organisation criticised a reported N60-per-litre discount as insignificant compared with previous petrol price increases.
The Presidency maintained that the intervention was neither a subsidy nor price control, but part of broader measures to stabilise fuel prices. These include a proposed N1,350-per-litre ceiling on petrol landing costs, expanded compressed natural gas deployment, cash transfers to vulnerable households and support for small businesses.
Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said the actual discount would depend on NNPC’s operating costs and margins, adding that the arrangement would be reviewed after 30 days.
Energy experts welcomed the potential relief but warned that the government must ensure transparency in financing, prevent market distortions and guarantee that savings reach consumers. They also cautioned that the arrangement could amount to an indirect subsidy if public funds were used to cover losses.
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