Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Adopting His Petrol Subsidy Proposal

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of adopting his petrol subsidy proposal but limiting the intervention to a 30-day discount.

Atiku made the remarks on Friday during the inauguration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja.

He argued that the Federal Government’s temporary petrol discount fell short of his proposal for production support aimed at reducing the cost of petrol refined in Nigeria.

The former vice-president said his proposal would support domestic refining through a capped and budgeted production subsidy, with safeguards to ensure that consumers benefit.

Atiku also criticised the Tinubu administration for previously rejecting his proposal, demanding an apology from the President over what he described as the adoption of the idea without its key components.

The Federal Government had announced a 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) filling stations, with priority given to public transport operators.

However, Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said the arrangement was not a return to petrol subsidy, describing it instead as a plan for NNPC to sell petrol at cost during the period.

The government said the measure was intended to ease pressure on Nigerians amid rising fuel costs.

Atiku maintained that a temporary discount would not provide lasting relief from high transport fares and the rising cost of living.

Source: TheCable