Former PDP presidential candidate Abubakar Atiku has criticized President Bola Tinubu over reports suggesting the reintroduction of fuel subsidies. According to the reports, the president allegedly directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to use the federation’s dividends to fund petrol subsidies, suspending interim dividend payments from May to December.
Atiku expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the administration’s handling of the subsidy issue. He highlighted the contradiction between Tinubu’s public declaration that the subsidy regime had ended and the alleged covert continuation of subsidy payments. Atiku argued that this inconsistency undermines the credibility of Tinubu’s leadership and raises serious concerns about the integrity of the country’s fiscal federalism.
Atiku also criticized the delays in restarting the Port Harcourt refinery, which he called a national disgrace contributing to the ongoing fuel scarcity and soaring energy costs. He urged the Tinubu administration to clarify its subsidy policy and ensure transparent governance to address the current fuel crisis.
The criticism comes as widespread fuel shortages continue across Nigeria, with prices reaching ₦800-₦1,000 per litre in some areas, particularly in Lagos and the northern regions. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN) attributed the scarcity to logistics challenges, particularly in the ship-to-ship transfer of products. Despite ongoing efforts by NNPCL to resolve these issues, the situation remains dire, with some filling stations not selling fuel and black market activities thriving.
NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, refuted claims that the scarcity was due to debts owed to international oil traders, stating that the company is managing its obligations through established credit lines. However, the situation continues to strain fuel supply across the country.
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