NDC faults Tinubu’s 30-day petrol discount, calls it ‘tokenism’
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day discount on petrol sold through NNPC Limited retail stations, describing the initiative as “tokenism” and an attempt to deceive Nigerians.
The opposition group, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., was reacting to comments by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, that the government would offer a discount on petrol dispensed by the NNPC Limited for an initial period of 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators nationwide.
Oyedele had explained that the initiative was not a subsidy, but an arrangement under which the government would sell petrol at cost.
However, the NDC rejected the explanation, arguing that the measure amounted to an indirect attempt to reintroduce petrol subsidy after the government removed the policy.
The group said the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidy had been implemented without adequate consultation or sufficient measures to cushion its effects on Nigerians.
The NDC also questioned the impact of the subsidy removal on businesses, employment and access to healthcare, alleging that many Nigerians had suffered economic hardship as a result of the policy.
The opposition group further raised concerns about the practicality of distributing discounted petrol through designated NNPC retail outlets, asking whether the available outlets would be sufficient to serve Nigeria’s population.
It warned that concentrating discounted fuel sales at selected filling stations could create long queues and congestion, potentially exposing motorists and other Nigerians to safety risks.
The NDC described the Federal Government’s latest announcement as evidence, in its view, of economic difficulties facing the country and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of failing to adequately address the consequences of its economic policies.
The group also linked the development to the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to support Peter Obi and other NDC candidates.
“Hope is on the way,” the statement said, adding that the party believes an Obi-led administration would “put Nigeria back on the right track.”
The NDC urged Nigerians to participate in the 2027 elections and vote for its candidates.
