Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has rejected the Federal Government’s planned 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) stations, arguing that the temporary measure will not provide lasting relief from Nigeria’s high cost of living.
In a statement issued on October 8, 2026, through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned what would happen when the discount period ends.
He argued that Nigerians could face the same high fuel prices, transport fares and food costs once the one-month intervention expires. He described the policy as a short-term response to economic hardship rather than a lasting solution.
The Federal Government announced the discount on October 8, saying it would apply to petrol sold through NNPC stations for an initial period of 30 days. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said the arrangement was intended to sell petrol at cost, with public transport operators receiving priority. The government maintained that the measure was not a return to the former fuel subsidy system.
Atiku also questioned how much consumers would actually save per litre and whether transport operators would pass any reduction in their fuel expenses on to passengers. He argued that the government should provide clearer details about the expected benefits and how the intervention would work in practice.
The former vice-president used the announcement to restate his proposal for targeted production support linked to petrol refined in Nigeria. Under his proposed approach, assistance would be tied to locally refined fuel, with auditing measures intended to ensure that the benefit reaches consumers.
Atiku said the government’s decision to introduce temporary relief showed that his proposal deserved consideration. However, the practical, legal and financial details of his plan remain subjects of debate. The Tinubu administration’s presidential campaign council has previously questioned its legal basis, cost and implementation.
The dispute comes as fuel prices continue to affect transportation, food distribution and household spending across Nigeria. Changes in petrol prices can influence the cost of moving goods and providing services, placing additional pressure on businesses and consumers.
Atiku called on the government to pursue measures that offer more durable relief rather than relying on a time-limited discount. He also repeated his pledge to make essential goods and services more affordable if elected president in 2027.
The government’s intervention and Atiku’s response have added to the debate over how Nigeria should manage fuel costs and protect households from economic pressures. Whether the 30-day discount delivers meaningful savings will depend on its implementation and the extent to which the benefits reach motorists and public transport users.