Tinubu's Aide Critiques Atiku's Fuel Subsidy Proposal

Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, criticized Atiku Abubakar's proposal to subsidize crude oil supplied to local refineries. Dare stated that selling federation crude at preferential prices would lead to fiscal and market distortions, reducing government revenue and creating an "immediate fiscal hole" in the Federation Account.

He emphasized that such a proposal would slash allocations to federal, state, and local governments, affecting funding for essential services like schools and hospitals. Dare also warned that preferential allocations could destabilize smaller indigenous refiners and lead to a resurgence of fuel smuggling.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, had reiterated his commitment to restoring fuel subsidy if elected in 2027, disowning contradictory comments from his media aide, Paul Ibe. Ibe had suggested that the subsidy would be gradually phased out, but Atiku insisted on his original position, stating that Nigeria is capable of supporting its citizens' welfare.