Atiku faults proposed 30-day fuel discount, calls for lasting relief

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has faulted the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day fuel discount at NNPC stations, describing it as temporary measure that does not address cost of fuel.

Reacting on Thursday through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said Nigerians need sustainable relief from high fuel prices and cost of living.

He said the government had watched Nigerians endure hardship arising from high fuel costs and is now proposing a temporary discount ahead of election.

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Atiku said Nigerians should not be offered one month of discounted fuel after years of high prices, only for hardship to return after discount expires.

He said the proposed 30-day discount is not an economic plan but a short-term measure.

“What happens on Day 31? Nigerians wake up to same prices, same transport fares and same rising cost of food,” he said.

He noted that offer is limited to NNPC stations, while government has yet to state how much motorists will save per litre or guarantee that savings for transport operators will translate to lower fares for passengers.

Atiku said the government’s move shows his earlier proposal for production support is workable.

“This volte-face proves that production-support proposal I have advanced is workable, achievable and not complicated,” he said.

He reiterated his proposal for capped and budgeted production support tied to fuel refined in Nigeria, with safeguards to ensure benefit reaches consumers and supports local refining.

“Nigerians need lasting relief, not countdown to return of hardship,” he said.

Atiku said if elected, his administration would focus on making life more affordable.