Atiku Vows to Make Life Easier for Nigerians

The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the government's handling of the petrol subsidy removal. He showed deep concern for Nigerians facing rising transport, food, and energy costs.

Atiku promised to change policies if he wins the election, stating, “I will make life affordable again.”

In a statement released on Friday by Mr Phrank Shaibu, the Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said President Tinubu’s Independence Day speech did not reflect the economic struggles of regular Nigerians.

He specifically disagreed with the President’s defense of the fuel subsidy removal and Tinubu's claim that subsidies are “addictive.”

Atiku also questioned Tinubu’s assertion that salaries and pensions were paid “on time and in full.” He pointed out that federal workers reported delays, and pensioners are still protesting over unpaid benefits.

Atiku made these comments as Germany decided to cut energy taxes on petrol and diesel from October 1 to December 31, 2026. This move aims to help consumers and businesses deal with high fuel prices.

The German government announced a 14 cents per litre reduction in the energy tax. This figure could rise to about 17 cents when accounting for a decrease in value-added tax. The initiative is expected to save around €2.5bn for households and businesses.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the measure is meant to give quick relief to people and businesses affected by high fuel costs.

Comparing this to Nigeria, Atiku noted that rising petrol prices have a wider impact beyond just transport costs. He explained that higher transport costs also lead to increased prices for food and other essential goods.

“When petrol becomes more expensive, transport becomes more expensive. When transport costs rise, food and other essentials cost more. The hardship follows Nigerians from the filling station to the market and into their homes.

“Germany understands that when fuel prices put families under pressure, government must act. Nigerians deserve the same compassion and urgency,” Atiku said in the statement.

He added that his plan would focus on targeted support for locally refined petrol. This support would not be a blanket subsidy but tied to fuel refined in Nigeria and subject to proper checks.

“Our plan is to restore targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, with strict auditing and a guarantee that the benefit lowers pump prices. Support will follow the barrel refined here, creating jobs here and easing costs for Nigerians. It will be funded by cutting waste, protected against diversion and price manipulation, and will not apply to imported fuel,” he noted.

Atiku expressed empathy for Nigerians struggling with higher costs for transport, food, and household needs. He promised to change the economic policy if elected.

“To every Nigerian forced to choose between feeding a family, paying for transport or meeting another basic need, I am deeply sorry. You did not deserve this hardship. Tinubu made life unbearably expensive and called your suffering the price of reform. I will make life affordable again,” he stated.

He emphasized that lowering fuel costs would benefit the economy by reducing transport expenses and possibly lowering the costs of moving goods to markets.

“Lower fuel costs can mean a cheaper bus ride, more affordable goods at the market and more money left in a family’s pocket,” he said.

The debate over petrol pricing has been a significant issue in Nigeria’s economy since the Tinubu administration announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023. This policy led to a sharp rise in pump prices and transport costs. The government defends this reform as necessary to lessen the financial burden of subsidizing petrol and redirect public resources.

The government also highlights measures like wage adjustments, social intervention programs, and other reforms to help ease the impact of these changes.

But Atiku insists that the government should take more direct action to lessen the burden on households.

“Nigeria’s wealth should ease the burden on its people,” he said, adding that his plan would focus on “producing here, creating jobs here and making life affordable again.”