Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day petrol discount, questioning what Nigerians should expect after the temporary relief expires.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the initiative as a short-term response to the country’s cost-of-living crisis, arguing that it would not address the underlying problems of high fuel prices, rising transport fares and food costs.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of offering temporary relief after years of economic hardship.
“What happens on Day 31? Nigerians wake up to the same brutal prices, the same punishing transport fares and the same rising cost of food,” Atiku said.
He described the proposed intervention as an “election-laced subsidy package,” arguing that Nigerians should not be expected to accept a month of discounted petrol as a lasting solution to the economic difficulties they face.
The former vice-president also questioned the scope of the initiative, noting that the discount would apply to petrol sold at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) filling stations.
He said the government had yet to explain how much motorists would save per litre or guarantee that any savings enjoyed by public transport operators would translate into lower fares for passengers.
Atiku further argued that the government’s decision to introduce the temporary measure showed that intervention in the petrol market was possible, despite previous opposition to subsidy-style policies.
He renewed his proposal for capped and budgeted production support tied to petrol refined in Nigeria, with safeguards to ensure that consumers benefit while domestic refining is supported.
“Nigerians need lasting relief, not a countdown to the return of hardship,” he said.
The Federal Government announced the 30-day discount on Thursday as part of measures to cushion the impact of high fuel prices. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said NNPC would forgo its retail profit margin and sell petrol at cost during the period, with public transport operators given priority.
The government maintained that the arrangement was not a return to the petrol subsidy regime, which ended in May 2023.
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