Atiku Abubakar Critiques Tinubu's Economic Policies

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, asserting that they have worsened the cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria despite increased government revenues. In a statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku rejected Tinubu's claim that his proposed intervention in the petroleum sector was economically ignorant.

Atiku announced his intention to reinstate the fuel subsidy if elected, emphasizing that his proposal is not a return to the previous subsidy regime but a targeted and temporary production-support mechanism aimed at increasing domestic refining and protecting consumers from price shocks. He argued that the removal of the subsidy in May 2023, without adequate measures to cushion its effects, led to rising petrol prices, transportation costs, and inflation.

Tinubu, however, dismissed Atiku's proposal as a demonstration of ignorance regarding governance and economic management. Atiku challenged the government to explain ongoing petroleum under-recoveries and energy-security costs.