NDC Says FG Bringing Back Petroleum Subsidy Through Back Door

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has rejected the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount through NNPC Limited retail outlets, describing the measure as not only inadequate but as an attempt to re- introduce fuel subsidy through the backdoor.

Oct 9, 2026 - 17:21

NDC Says FG Bringing Back Petroleum Subsidy Through Back Door

... as 30-day petrol discount won’t ease people's hardship

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has rejected the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount through NNPC Limited retail outlets, describing the measure as not only inadequate but as an attempt to re- introduce fuel subsidy through the backdoor.
The NDC, spoke in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, on Thursday, noting that the temporary intervention would not address the wider economic hardship which Nigerians have faced since the removal of petrol subsidy.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, had announced the discount on Thursday as part of measures to reduce the cost of public transportation.

Oyedele further said that, the discounted petrol would initially be available for 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators, adding that the arrangement should not be regarded as a subsidy.

President Tinubu had announced fuel subsidy removal soon after assuming power on May 29, 2023, declaring that “subsidy is gone.”

Tinubu's announcement had ended the long-standing government payment aimed at keeping petrol prices below market levels but was followed by sharp increases in fuel pump prices and cost of household and business items.

However, the NDC, described the new discount as “tokenism and a Greek gift,” pointing out that the government had failed to adequately protect Nigerians from the effects of the 2023 policy.
It also, asked the Federal Government to figure out what would happen after the 30-day period, even as it further expressed concerns about the accessibility of discounted petrol at NNPC retail outlets across the country.
“What happens to the millions of Nigerians who lost their jobs and whose businesses collapsed as a result of the callous and poorly planned removal of subsidy?,” the NDC pointed out, stressing it was an attempt by the Federal Government to “reintroduce petrol subsidy through the backdoor.”
The NDC further questioned whether the designated NNPC outlets would be sufficient to meet demand nationwide, warning that overcrowding at filling stations could create safety risks.
The party further noted that the government should rather provide Nigerians with longer-term economic relief rather than a temporary intervention, adding that the latest announcement had left several questions unanswered.
It also, urged Nigerians to vote for Obi and other NDC candidates in the 2027 general elections, saying a “New Nigeria is POssible with Obi.”