Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to restore fuel subsidies if elected president of Nigeria.
Mr Atiku made the commitment during a Facebook Live session, as debate continues across the country over the economic impact of the removal of petrol subsidies.
The former vice president criticised the current policy, arguing that its consequences had placed a significant burden on ordinary Nigerians, particularly through rising transport costs and the increased prices of goods and services.
He said his administration would review the policy and take steps to restore the subsidy as part of measures aimed at easing economic hardship and improving the welfare of citizens.
The pledge comes amid growing public concern over the cost-of-living crisis, with many Nigerians struggling with higher food, transport and energy costs following the removal of the subsidy.
The subsidy was removed by President Bola Tinubu shortly after he assumed office in May 2023, with the government arguing that the policy was financially unsustainable and that the savings would be redirected towards development and social programmes.
The decision, however, triggered a sharp rise in petrol prices and has remained one of the most contentious economic issues in the country.
Atiku’s latest promise is therefore likely to feature prominently in the political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as opposition parties seek to present alternative approaches to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The ADC candidate’s pledge also places fuel pricing and the wider question of government intervention in the petroleum sector at the centre of his campaign message.
