The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that the Bola Tinubu administration is now responding to public pressure and the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, following recent fuel price adjustments. Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, made this observation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday. His comments come after Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele announced a 30-day discount on fuel prices at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations, a move aimed at easing the burden on consumers amid rising costs.
Abdullahi emphasized that while the discount may provide short-term relief, it does not address the root causes of Nigeria’s fuel challenges. He criticized the current approach of selling crude oil to local refineries in dollars, only to import refined products back into the country. “There is no point,” he said, echoing concerns raised by the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). He stressed that as an oil-producing nation, Nigeria should sell crude directly to local refineries in naira to support domestic production and reduce dependency on imports.
Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate, has long advocated for a shift in policy. He described the government’s recent fuel discount as a “panic-driven publicity stunt” and a “desperate and temporary gesture.” According to him, such measures cannot reverse the damage caused by years of high fuel prices and economic hardship. Atiku maintains that his plan involves direct sales of crude to local refineries in naira, with the government forgoing immediate revenue to ensure affordable fuel for Nigerians.
Abdullahi noted that the current administration’s actions reflect a growing alignment with Atiku’s earlier proposals. “The government is responding to what we are saying,” he said. He pointed out that Atiku had previously supported the removal of fuel subsidy, but now emphasizes its return through sustainable, locally-driven solutions. This shift, according to Abdullahi, shows that public discourse and opposition voices are influencing policy decisions.
The debate over fuel pricing and refining capacity remains central to Nigeria’s economic conversation. With inflation and transportation costs continuing to strain households, any government initiative must go beyond temporary discounts to deliver lasting change. The ADC’s stance underscores the need for structural reforms in the oil sector, including investment in local refining infrastructure and fair pricing mechanisms.
As Nigeria navigates energy policy and economic stability, the call for self-reliance in fuel production grows louder. The coming months will reveal whether short-term measures like the 30-day discount evolve into long-term strategies or remain isolated gestures.
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