The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) retail outlets, describing the measure as “tokenism and deceit.”
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the party said the initiative was inadequate to address the economic hardship Nigerians have faced since the removal of petrol subsidies.
The NDC was reacting to an announcement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, that NNPC would sell petrol at cost price for an initial period of 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators.
Oyedele reportedly explained that the arrangement was not a return to fuel subsidy but an effort to provide temporary relief to Nigerians.
However, the NDC argued that the measure could not compensate for the consequences of the subsidy removal, which it blamed for job losses, business closures and difficulties accessing healthcare.
The party also questioned whether NNPC retail outlets across the country would be sufficient to serve Nigeria’s population, warning that limited access to discounted fuel could create long queues and possible stampedes.
Describing the initiative as an attempt to reintroduce petrol subsidy through the backdoor, the opposition party accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing to adequately address the country’s economic challenges.
The NDC maintained that the temporary discount was not a sustainable solution to the rising cost of living and called for more effective measures to improve Nigerians’ welfare.
The party also expressed support for former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, presenting him as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
It urged Nigerians to participate in the January 16, 2027 presidential election and vote for Obi and other NDC candidates.
The Federal Government’s petrol discount is intended to provide temporary relief to consumers, while the NDC’s statement reflects the opposition party’s criticism of the administration’s economic policies.
