By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount through NNPC Limited retail outlets, describing the measure as “tokenism” and questioning its practicality and impact on Nigerians.
The NDC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., was reacting to the announcement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, that the government would offer a discount on petrol sold through NNPC Limited stations for an initial period of 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators nationwide.
Oyedele had explained that the initiative was not a return to fuel subsidy, but an arrangement under which government would sell petrol at cost.
However, the NDC rejected the explanation, arguing that the measure amounted to an attempt to reintroduce petrol subsidy “through the backdoor.”
The opposition group described the initiative as a “Greek gift” from the government, alleging that the removal of fuel subsidy was implemented without adequate consultation or sufficient measures to cushion its effects on Nigerians.
According to the NDC, the government must account for the economic consequences of the subsidy removal, particularly its alleged impact on jobs, businesses and access to healthcare.
The party also questioned the practicality of limiting the discounted petrol to designated NNPC retail outlets, asking how many such stations were available to serve a population of more than 200 million Nigerians.
It warned that concentrating consumers at selected filling stations could create overcrowding and potentially expose motorists and commuters to safety risks.
The NDC further argued that the petrol discount was an indication of deeper challenges confronting the Nigerian economy, while accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of failing to adequately address the consequences of rising living costs.
The party also criticised the government’s economic policies, describing the administration’s approach as “Emilokanomics” and claiming that it had failed to deliver the expected relief to Nigerians.
Turning to the 2027 general elections, the NDC said it believed a change in political leadership could provide an alternative direction for the country.
The statement called on Nigerians to participate in the January 16, 2027 elections and urged support for Peter Obi and other NDC candidates, presenting the party’s “New Nigeria” agenda as an alternative to the current administration.
The NDC said its proposed political programme would focus on putting Nigeria “back on the right track.”
