NANS rejects Atiku’s plan to restore fuel subsidy

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's proposal to restore fuel subsidy if elected in 2027, calling it a political response to economic hardship rather than a viable solution to Nigeria's fiscal issues. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated that re-implementing the old subsidy system without a clear plan would recreate the problems that made it unsustainable.

The statement came as political debate surrounding petrol pricing intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku maintains that he would restore fuel subsidy if elected, arguing that it would provide relief to Nigerians struggling with high living costs. He clarified that his position is not temporary but aims to target domestic production, reduce production and transportation costs, and alleviate the burden of high living costs.

The issue of fuel subsidy removal, which occurred in May 2023, has been a contentious point in the administration's economic reforms, leading to a sharp increase in fuel prices and exacerbating transportation, food, and household costs. NANS acknowledged the hardship caused by subsidy removal but argued that resources saved should be deployed to improve citizens' welfare.

The association urged political aspirants to present sustainable economic policies rather than those focused solely on immediate relief, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot afford to return to a system that places a heavy financial burden on the government while critical sectors remain underfunded.