Nigerians have questioned President Bola Tinubu’s motives following the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations. Some described the move as an attempt to win public support ahead of the 2027 general election.
The reactions compiled by DAILY TRUST followed Thursday’s announcement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, that the government would offer discounted petrol for an initial 30 days, prioritising public transport operators.
The measure comes more than three years after Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy. It has triggered fresh questions about why the government is introducing temporary relief now, amid prolonged complaints over rising fuel prices, transport costs and the general cost of living.
Some Nigerians who reacted to the announcement on social media questioned whether the intervention was designed primarily to ease economic hardship or to improve the electoral prospects of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political commentator Ugo Egbujo said the latest move was part of an attempt by the president to improve his chances in the 2027 election.
“Tinubu will do anything to win this election. He can temporarily return fuel subsidies and unfriend Chagoury and seize Wike’s Rolls‑Royce. After winning, he will return to his old habits,” Egbujo wrote.
Other Nigerians also questioned the timing and duration of the intervention. Haroun El‑Yahya Hassan asked why the government had waited so long before introducing the measure. “Where were they 40 months ago? He must go forever, God willing,” he wrote.
Similarly, Almajir Abdullahi invoked a Hausa expression to suggest the intervention had come too late. “In Hausa we say, ‘Masa ta bayan biki,’ which literally means no benefit to make a guest’s food after the ceremony,” he said.
The comments reflect a broader concern among critics that the administration, having defended the removal of the petrol subsidy as a necessary economic reform, is now introducing a temporary concession as the next general election approaches.
Under the new arrangement, Oyedele said the government would offer a discount on petrol sold at NNPCL stations for 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators.
“We are offering a discount on petrol dispensed by NNPCL for the next 30 days in the first instance, with priority for public transporters nationwide. So, it’s not a subsidy; the government is just saying we sell to you at cost,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that the government was negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on petrol’s ex‑gantry (landing) cost, subject to monthly reviews, to moderate the impact of fluctuations in global crude oil prices and exchange rates on pump prices.
However, the announcement has not convinced some Nigerians that the intervention will provide lasting relief. Abdulrahman Abba Saleh said he preferred a government that demonstrated commitment to a permanent solution rather than a temporary intervention. “We prefer the person who has demonstrated readiness for a permanent solution (subsidy reversal) than a one‑month solution,” he wrote.
Ovie Ezimeruwe also questioned the sustainability of the arrangement: “What will they do after that one month? Why can’t they do it afterwards? After one month, what next?”
Isiya Al’majir Keta questioned the change in the government’s position on fuel prices. “They said petrol can never reduce in price. What has changed the story?” he asked.
Daily Trust reports that the latest development comes against the backdrop of Tinubu’s May 29, 2023 inauguration, when he declared that “fuel subsidy is gone.” The decision led to sharp increases in petrol prices and transportation fares. The administration has consistently defended the policy as necessary to reduce the financial burden of subsidising petrol and to redirect public resources towards development.
However, the immediate consequences have remained a major source of public dissatisfaction, with higher transport and production costs feeding into the prices of food and other essential goods.
The fresh intervention has reopened the debate over whether the government is responding to economic realities confronting Nigerians or seeking to address mounting public discontent ahead of the 2027 polls. Usman Auwal Hassan suggested the announcement would not have been made without the approaching election. “If not because of the election, they shouldn’t say that,” he wrote.
Michael Otues argued that even a substantial reduction in petrol prices would not change his political preference. “If you guys like, make the price of fuel N100, it is not going to change our mind to vote for APC. Nigerians are wise now,” he said.
Abdullazeez Abdullahi also called for the government to focus on winning public acceptance rather than resorting to electoral manipulation. “All options considered… No way to rigging; let’s do what is acceptable by the masses. It’s too late,” he wrote.
