Atiku Proposes Petrol Subsidy Restoration for 2027

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced his intention to restore a form of petrol subsidy if elected in the 2027 elections, which has drawn criticism from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's camp, labeling it as a return to fiscal irresponsibility. The core issue is the contradiction between the government's assertion of fiscal success and the economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele reported that the removal of petrol subsidies generated N15.8 trillion for the Federation from June 2023 to December 2025, with N5.4 trillion going to the Federal Government and N10.4 trillion to states and local governments. However, this figure is contested as it resulted from increased revenues due to currency devaluation, not free cash.

Despite this windfall, the government incurred an additional N11.9 trillion in borrowing, raising questions about the effectiveness of subsidy removal. The economic impact has pushed an estimated seven million Nigerians into poverty, with many spending over 70% of their income on transport and food.