Atiku, Obi, Osifo Others Fault Fuel Discount as NNPC Denies Subsidy Return

Reactions from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour leaders and opposition groups have trailed the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount initiative, with critics questioning its sustainability and describing it as an inadequate response to Nigeria’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), however, has insisted that the discount is a temporary customer-relief measure and does not amount to the restoration of petrol subsidy.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, described the initiative as a “panic-driven publicity stunt,” arguing that a temporary reduction in petrol prices would not resolve the underlying economic challenges confronting Nigerians.

He questioned what would happen after the discount period expires, noting that high transportation fares and food prices could persist despite the temporary intervention. He also called for more sustainable measures to reduce petrol costs and ensure that consumers benefit directly from government policies.

Similarly, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, questioned the government’s position that the initiative was not a subsidy. He argued that any arrangement in which the government or another party absorbs part of the cost to keep a product’s selling price below its market cost amounts to a form of subsidy.

Osifo’s position reflects broader concerns among labour leaders and economic stakeholders over the structure, funding and long-term implications of the intervention.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also criticised the initiative, describing it as “tokenism and a Greek gift”. The party questioned whether limiting the discount to NNPC retail outlets would provide meaningful relief to the wider population.

The Obidient Movement, through its Director of Media and Communications, Onyeka Dike, also faulted the policy, questioning why the administration waited until now to introduce such relief after Nigerians had endured years of high fuel prices and rising living costs.

However, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the government’s move, describing the opposition’s criticism as disappointing and politically motivated. The party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, urged political actors to support efforts aimed at easing the burden on Nigerians while offering constructive suggestions to improve the initiative.

Amid the controversy, NNPC Ltd has clarified that its sales discount, initially introduced on October 1 to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, will run until October 31 across its retail stations nationwide.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said the initiative was intended to cushion the impact of elevated global crude oil prices, driven partly by the conflict in the Middle East, on domestic petrol prices.

Odeh said the discount was designed to provide practical assistance to households, commuters and businesses facing increased operating costs.

He explained that the initiative applies specifically to NNPC Retail outlets and does not establish a uniform national pump price or alter the market-based pricing framework for petroleum products.

The clarification followed remarks by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, on October 8, when the government announced its 30-day petrol discount arrangement.

NNPC Ltd maintained that the initiative should not be interpreted as a return to fuel subsidy, reaffirming its commitment to reliable product supply, responsible customer service and collaboration with the Federal Government and other stakeholders.

The debate comes amid renewed pressure on households and businesses from rising petrol prices, which have pushed up transportation and operating costs, intensifying calls for measures that deliver sustained economic relief rather than temporary interventions.