Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has questioned the reach and effectiveness of the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount initiative, arguing that the measure may offer limited relief to Nigerians still grappling with the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., stated this in a press statement issued on Wednesday, October 8, 2026, in reaction to the Federal Government’s announcement of discounted petrol sales through NNPC Limited retail stations, with priority reportedly given to public transport operators.
The NDC spokesman described the initiative as “tokenism,” arguing that a 30-day intervention could not adequately address the economic hardship caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.
Director also questioned the Federal Government’s explanation that the arrangement was not a return to subsidy, but a decision to sell petrol at cost.
He said Nigerians who had lost jobs, experienced business closures or faced worsening living conditions as a result of the subsidy removal could not be adequately supported by a temporary fuel discount.
The party further raised concerns about the number and geographical spread of NNPC retail outlets designated to dispense the discounted petrol, questioning whether they would be sufficient to serve the country’s population.
According to Director, concentrating discounted petrol sales at selected filling stations could result in long queues and create conditions that may expose motorists and commuters to avoidable risks, including possible stampedes.
He described the discount initiative as an attempt to “reintroduce petrol subsidy through the backdoor,” alleging that it was evidence of growing pressure on the Federal Government over the state of the economy.
The NDC spokesman also criticised the APC-led administration over what he described as its handling of the economy, insisting that the government had failed to adequately cushion Nigerians from the effects of its policies.
He said the economic situation had raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to steer the country away from what he described as an impending crisis.
Director, however, expressed optimism that Nigerians could change the country’s political direction in the 2027 elections.
He called on Nigerians to support the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other candidates of the party in the January 16, 2027 elections, saying the party would work towards building what it described as a “New Nigeria.”.
