By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to introduce a 30-day discount on petrol sold through NNPC Limited retail outlets, describing the measure as “tokenism” and an attempt to deceive Nigerians.
According to an official statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Osa Director Esq., the party said the temporary discount announced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, was inadequate to address the economic hardship allegedly caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.
Oyedele had explained that the government was offering the discount on petrol dispensed by NNPC Limited for an initial period of 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators nationwide, stressing that the measure was not a return to subsidy but a decision by government to sell the product at cost.
However, the NDC described the initiative as a “Greek gift” from the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the subsidy removal was implemented without adequate consultation or measures to cushion its impact on Nigerians.
The opposition group questioned the impact of the policy on Nigerians who, it alleged, had lost jobs and businesses following the removal of the subsidy, while also raising concerns about the effect of rising living costs on access to healthcare and other essential services.
The NDC further questioned the practicality of distributing discounted petrol through designated NNPC retail outlets, asking whether the number of outlets would be sufficient to serve Nigeria’s population.
It warned that concentrating access to discounted petrol at selected filling stations could create congestion and potentially expose motorists and other Nigerians to safety risks.
The party also described the government’s decision as an attempt to reintroduce petrol subsidy “through the backdoor,” alleging that the move reflected the administration’s difficulties in managing the economy.
The NDC accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of failing to reverse the economic challenges confronting the country, describing its economic policies as a failure.
The party, however, said it remained confident that a change of government would provide an alternative direction for the country, declaring its support for Peter Obi and other NDC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged Nigerians to vote for Obi and other NDC candidates at the polls, saying a “New Nigeria is POssible” under the party’s proposed leadership.
