The fuel discount proposition was announced by the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, on Thursday while briefing journalists in Abuja.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Federal Government’s decision to introduce a 30-day fuel price discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations ahead of the 2027 general elections has sparked reactions from many Nigerians.
Following the announcement, a lot of Nigerians took to various social media platforms to express their displeasure about the move.
Earlier, the Finance Minister, Taiwo Oyedele, while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, October 8, said the initiative would see NNPCL stations dispense petrol at cost.
He, however, made it clear that the move is a discount and not a return of the aborted fuel subsidy regime.
In addition, the Minister announced that the Federal Government plans to peg the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, at N1,350 per litre.
Speaking to journalists, Oyedele said, “Pump prices should not have to follow every swing in global crude or the exchange rate. The government is negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 a litre on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol to keep pump prices stable.”
Justifying the move, he added, “The reasoning is simple: N1,400 a litre today and N1,400 a litre tomorrow is better than N1,500 a litre today and N1,300 a litre tomorrow. Why? Because volatility itself adds to uncertainty and cost, and when fuel prices go up sharply, they rarely come down as fast.”
The initiative has, however, triggered mixed reactions from Nigerians online, with most of them suggesting it is a desperate move by President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected in 2027.
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Some of the internet users who reacted to the minister’s briefing went on to question why the relief would last for only 30 days.
A Nigerian identified as @SodiqTade wrote, “Tinubu has realised pump price alone can make him lose election. Obi has reversed his earlier statement on subsidy too. Lol. Only Atiku has maintained his view on subsidy reversal this cycle. This should tell you who the most prepared candidate is among the three.”
Another netizen, @Shehu Gazali Sadiq, said, “Ladies and gentlemen, Tinubu and his gang have responded to the fire on the mountain. They’ve returned subsidy to NNPC fuel station for 1 month. The fear of Nigerians in 2027 is the beginning of wisdom for APC and Tinubu.”
@KadunaRes added, “They are doing this because of elections. Once elections finish, your suffering will double. Use your head.”
Also wading into the discussion, @SylvesterIfe said, “25 to 35 naira discount, I don’t blame them they’re preying upon Nigeria tribalism and illiteracy. They want people more divided, uneducated and religious so they can be doing this and go free.”
@Reyastory wrote, “Why only 30 days? What happened to the other days that will follow?”
While disagreeing with the Minister on whether the move is a form of subsidy or not, @mundus said, “Calling this a ‘discount’ is just political semantics. By forcing NNPC to sell at cost and forfeit public revenue to lower fuel prices, the government is absorbing the financial loss. THIS IS A SUBSIDY. Let’s call it what it is.”
Another Nigerian, @HAHayatu, who also agreed it is a move to get votes in 2027, commented, “Atiku has said it in his press conference a few weeks ago that they will bring temporary subsidy back and go back after election, this is it. Believe this nonsense you believe anything. Tinubu only cares about reelection not your welfare. Tinubu Must Go.”
