Atiku Abubakar Proposes Fuel Production Subsidy Plan

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on September 11, 2026, criticized the Tinubu administration for its inconsistent economic interventions. He argued that support for domestic fuel production should be treated similarly to tax waivers granted to businesses.

Atiku proposed a production subsidy aimed at reducing the cost of locally refined petrol and providing relief to consumers, emphasizing that this subsidy would be tied to crude processed by Nigerian refineries. He stated that the removal of petrol subsidies has led to increased living costs for Nigerians, urging that for three years, citizens have been told to endure rising fuel, transport, and food prices.

Atiku assured that his proposal would not subsidize foreign refineries or importers and would include safeguards such as a fiscal ceiling and penalties for fraud. He challenged the Tinubu administration to debate his proposal, criticizing the portrayal of economic hardship as evidence of successful reforms.