The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government’s newly announced 30-day petrol discount programme, describing it as a tokenistic measure and an admission of policy failure by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The party’s reaction followed the government’s announcement that petrol would be sold at discounted rates at designated NNPC retail outlets nationwide for an initial period of 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators.
According to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the arrangement is not a subsidy but a temporary measure allowing fuel to be sold at cost.
However, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq, the NDC argued that the initiative cannot address the widespread economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
The opposition party claimed that millions of Nigerians have suffered job losses, business closures and worsening living conditions since the subsidy was removed, accusing the government of failing to put adequate measures in place to cushion the impact.
The NDC also questioned the practicality of limiting the discounted fuel programme to NNPC retail outlets, arguing that the available stations would be insufficient to meet nationwide demand.
According to the party, the development suggests that the government is attempting to reintroduce subsidy through the back door as economic pressures continue to mount.
The party maintained that the current administration has failed to effectively manage the economy and called on Nigerians to support its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2027 general election.
