Wike Defends Fuel Subsidy Removal, Critiques Atiku's U-Turn

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, defended the Federal Government's removal of fuel subsidy, criticizing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his inconsistent position on the policy. During an inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike recalled that Atiku had promised to eliminate the subsidy within his first 100 days if elected in 2023 but is now advocating for its restoration.

Wike described Atiku as a “voodoo economist” and questioned his rationale for reversing a previously supported policy. He emphasized that leadership requires consistency in policy positions.

Wike also noted the transformation of Nigeria's petroleum industry due to the Petroleum Industry Act, which commercialized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, questioning how Atiku would implement a subsidy on fuel produced by Dangote Refinery. He argued that restoring the subsidy would contradict the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act and could lead to regulatory uncertainty and inefficiencies in the sector.