The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) retail outlets, describing the initiative as inadequate relief for Nigerians grappling with economic hardship.
The party in a statement sgned by Osa Director, Esq. National Publicity Secretary, said the proposed discount was a belated attempt to address the consequences of the removal of petrol subsidy, which it claimed had adversely affected households, businesses and public services across the country.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, had earlier announced that the government would offer a discount on petrol sold at NNPC stations for an initial period of 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators nationwide.
Oyedele explained that the arrangement was not a return to fuel subsidy but a decision by the government to sell petrol at cost.
Reacting to the announcement, the NDC described the initiative as “tokenism” and a “Greek gift,” arguing that the government removed fuel subsidy without adequate consultation, planning or measures to cushion the impact on Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the party questioned what measures had been introduced to address the alleged job losses, business closures and difficulties accessing healthcare that followed the subsidy removal.
The NDC also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to reintroduce petrol subsidy through the backdoor, describing the proposed discount as an indication of the economic challenges facing the country.
The opposition party further questioned whether the designated NNPC retail outlets would be sufficient to serve Nigeria’s population of more than 200 million people.
It warned that limited access to discounted petrol could lead to overcrowding at filling stations, raising concerns about possible stampedes and other safety risks.
According to the party, the government must provide answers to questions surrounding the country’s economic situation and demonstrate how its policies would ease the hardship faced by citizens.
The NDC maintained that the petrol discount would not adequately address the broader challenges confronting the economy, insisting that more comprehensive measures were required.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, the party expressed confidence in its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying an NDC-led government would seek to put Nigeria on a different economic path.
The party called on Nigerians to vote for Obi and other NDC candidates on January 16, 2027, as part of its campaign to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
The statement concluded with the party’s slogan, “A New Nigeria is POssible with Obi.”
Share this content:
About The Author
