Media personality Isaac Fayose has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to introduce a 30-day discount on petrol sold through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), linking the move to the 2027 general election.
Fayose argued that the government, which removed the petrol subsidy in 2023, had now “stylishly reintroduced” it following years of economic hardship and rising living costs.
In a statement, he questioned why the administration was responding to Nigerians’ economic difficulties only after several years, suggesting that the temporary relief could be extended until the election.
«“It’s 100 days to election, the same APC government that removed the fuel subsidy has stylishly reintroduced it for 30 days. I’m sure they will extend it until the election so that after the election, they will double it. Why are they just listening to Nigerians’ pain after 3 years?” Fayose said.»
His comments followed the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount, with public transport operators given priority under the arrangement.
However, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the measure should not be regarded as a return to fuel subsidy. He explained that the government would allow petrol supplied by NNPCL to be sold at cost for the 30-day period.
The development has triggered renewed debate over the government’s 2023 decision to remove fuel subsidy and its impact on petrol prices, transportation costs and the wider cost of living.
The subsidy debate is also becoming a major political issue ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, with opposition figures calling for different forms of relief while the APC continues to defend the reforms.
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